Convenience Store Part-timer: "Customers' gazes changed after I got a tattoo... Does this mean I can't work in the service industry at all?" [What do you think?]

A, who works part-time at a convenience store, recently posted on an online community about how "people's gazes have changed since I got a tattoo. " A confided, "There are customers whose expressions change when they see my tattoo," adding, "At first, I just let it slide, but lately, I hear comments to the point where people wonder if I can't work in the service industry at all.
" He shared his experience, saying, "I thought it was just for style, but I didn't know that a single tattoo would narrow my career choices like this. I don't regret it, but it makes me realize that this is the reality.
" Netizens who read the story commented, "It is a reality that people form prejudices first when they see someone with a tattoo," "Getting a tattoo is a freedom, but looking at people strangely is also a freedom," and "If it is enough to make customers' expressions change, how. " Various reactions were observed, such as "Did you get a huge tattoo?" and "It's just for self-satisfaction anyway, so there's no need to worry about other people's stares.
" As of 2021, the tattooed population in Korea reached 13 million (estimated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare). This means that one in four people has a tattoo.
However, excessive tattoos cause discomfort to others in public places. Recently, as the Han River swimming pool has emerged as a popular summer getaway, the number of visitors has exceeded 300,000, and it is reported that complaints regarding exposed tattoos are also increasing.
Some visitors have filed complaints requesting that exposure be restricted or entry be blocked, claiming that people displaying their tattoos feel threatening. There have also been calls to recommend the wearing of rash guards, given that the space is frequently visited by children.
On the other hand, there is considerable counterargument that blocking the use of public facilities solely because of tattoos constitutes clear discrimination.
The argument is that entry cannot be restricted based on appearance or physical characteristics.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government maintains the position that it is difficult to restrict the use of public facilities based on the presence of tattoos.
A city official stated that while the number of complaints this year has not increased significantly compared to last year, they will review the received opinions to identify areas for improvement.
[email protected] An Gaeul Reporter