‘Shirtless runners’ and group running stir debate in Korea over freedom vs. public nuisance

As the running boom continues in South Korea, conflicts between runners and other city residents are intensifying. Critics say so-called “shirtless runners” and groups running recklessly through the city are disrupting public spaces and making pedestrians uncomfortable. Seoul resident Son, a graduate student, often frowns during his neighborhood walks because of groups of people “running without shirts or in tight sportswear that reveal their bodies.” Son added, “Taking off one’s shirt in public makes others uncomfortable. People should show manners in shared spaces.” In contrast, Lee, a 20-something office worker who recently took up running, said, “Running in a group motivates me far more than running alone. As long as we’re respectful, running crews can be a positive culture.” Still, Lee added that “safety should be prioritized when running in crowded city centers or on narrow paths.” As the number of runners grows, some local governments are responding to a surge in complaints. In Seoul’s Yeouido Park, authorities recently installed a sign titled “4 Nos fWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times