"We Took Off Our Clothes and Ran Over in a Crowd to Get Away"...The 'Topless Running' Controversy Heating Up the Hangang in the Heat [What Do You Think?]

[Financial News] As the heat wave continues day after day, opinions are divided among citizens over so-called "topless running"—running shirtless in public places such as Hangang Park. Some say it causes discomfort and hygiene concerns, especially in places frequented by families, while others argue it is a matter of personal freedom during outdoor exercise.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 17th, complaints have recently continued to be filed over people running shirtless or using public exercise equipment at Hangang Park. The number of complaints related to shirtless activity this year has already surpassed last year's total.
Public reaction is sharply split. Kang, 34, who was out for a walk, said, "While walking with my family, several shirtless men ran toward us in a group, so we quickly moved away." He added, "They may not be directly harming anyone, but every time I run into them, I don't know where to look and it feels awkward." Others have also pointed out that sweat on shared exercise equipment is unhygienic.
On the other hand, runners have pushed back, saying the response is excessive. In online running communities, supporters argue that it helps prevent heatstroke in extreme heat, that it causes less harm to others than smoking or drinking on the street, and that it infringes on personal freedom.
Under current law, it is difficult to punish the act of running outdoors without a shirt. The Punishment of Minor Offenses Act defines indecent exposure as "exposing genitals, buttocks or other key body parts in a public place in a way that causes shame or discomfort," so simply exposing the upper body is not subject to enforcement or fines.
In response, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has opted for guidance rather than punishment. The city has put up banners at 11 Hangang Parks asking people to "wear a shirt in public places," and it is strengthening related guidance during park patrols.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Jungbu Park Leisure Center, 10 of the 44 complaints related to running filed last year, or about 23%, involved shirtless activity. However, after banners were installed in September last year, formal complaints dropped to just one.
A Seoul Metropolitan Government official explained, "The purpose is not to legally ban shirtless activity outright or suppress personal freedom." The official added, "This is simply guidance asking people to observe basic etiquette and be considerate of one another, since these are public spaces used by citizens of all ages."
Broadcaster Lee Yong-jin also recently shared an embarrassing story on his YouTube channel, Ipman Yeolmeon. He said, "I was shocked yesterday. There was no one around, so I took off my shirt and was running along the Hangang when I got caught by Jay Park. The one person who passed by was Jay Park."
Actor Jin Tae-hyun, widely known as one of the entertainment industry's representative runners, has also voiced his opinion on shirtless running through his YouTube channel. At the time, he said, "I ran shirtless at track stadiums or in parks during quiet hours. I did the same at Namsan." He added, "Someone asked me to put my shirt on. I had never been told to stop before, but I heard that someone disliked it. So I put my shirt back on for now."
[email protected] Moon Young-jin Reporter