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🇰🇷 South Korea /Energy & Infrastructure

Jeju Sports Center Faces Backlash Over Planned Cancellation of Exercise Programs

From Hankyoreh · (1h ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Jeju City's public sports facility, the Seobu National Sports Center, faced strong public backlash for planning to abolish all group exercise (GX) programs.
  • The center cited budget shortages as the reason for discontinuing popular classes like yoga, line dance, and Zumba.
  • Following the protests, Jeju City has decided to find ways to reinstate the programs, acknowledging the facility's importance in an area with limited recreational options.

Residents of Jeju City are expressing strong opposition to the planned discontinuation of all group exercise (GX) programs at the Seobu National Sports Center. The center, operated by Kolon Sporx under contract with Jeju City, cited budget constraints as the reason for eliminating popular classes such as yoga, line dance, Zumba, and children's ballet, effective May 1.

This decision has sparked outrage among users, particularly given the center's crucial role as a community hub in Hallim-eup, an area with limited sports and recreational facilities. Many residents, including parents whose children attend the programs, voiced their dismay and frustration, highlighting the center's importance for physical activity and well-being in the region.

There are not many places to exercise in the Eup/Myeon areas... Please resume the classes as soon as possible.

— Zumba class participantExpressing frustration over the cancellation of GX programs at the Seobu National Sports Center.

The Seobu National Sports Center, which opened in August 2023, has become a vital facility, serving approximately 160,000 visitors last year. The proposed cancellation of GX programs, which are paid for by monthly fees ranging from 20,000 to 120,000 won, has been met with disbelief, especially since some classes had waiting lists due to high demand.

I am very concerned thinking about the disappointment and loss my children will feel, as more than 15 children are training hard every day and achieving good results in various swimming competitions.

— Parent of a child in the Masters swimming classHighlighting the impact of program cancellations on young athletes.

Jeju City officials have responded to the public outcry and visited the center to address the situation. While acknowledging the budget issues faced by the operating company, the city stated that the plan to abolish the GX programs was not initially reported. They are now committed to exploring all possible solutions, including allocating additional funds, to ensure the continuation of these essential programs.

The controversy also raises concerns about the stability of employment for instructors and the long-term sustainability of public sports facilities when faced with funding challenges. The city's commitment to finding a resolution is a positive step towards ensuring that the Seobu National Sports Center continues to serve its community effectively.

In this town, where there isn't even one ballet academy, the classes were a happy time for the children.

— Parent of a child in children's ballet classEmphasizing the importance of the canceled ballet program for local children.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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