Proposal to Charge Only Families for Playground Maintenance Sparks Outrage
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A debate erupted online after a resident suggested that only households with children should pay for apartment playground maintenance.
- The resident argued that those without children do not use the playground and therefore should not contribute to its upkeep costs.
- This proposal sparked criticism, with many calling it unreasonable and highlighting the nature of shared apartment living.
A contentious debate has ignited online after a resident proposed that only families with children should bear the cost of maintaining apartment complex playgrounds. The suggestion, posted on an anonymous online community for professionals, argued that households without children do not utilize these facilities and thus should be exempt from contributing to their upkeep.
Why should homes without children pay for playground maintenance through management fees?
"Why should homes without children pay for playground maintenance through management fees?" the original poster, who identified their workplace as Korea Electric Power Corporation, questioned. They implied that costs should be collected solely from those who directly benefit from the playground's existence.
Go live in a detached house
This viewpoint quickly drew sharp criticism from other internet users. Many respondents dismissed the idea as absurd, with comments ranging from telling the poster to "go live in a detached house" to questioning why they live in an apartment at all if they object to shared amenities. Some pointed out that if this logic were applied, residents could demand differential fees for elevators based on usage or for other common facilities like gyms and community rooms.
If you feel it's unfair, go use the swings when you're bored.
One commenter sarcastically suggested, "If you feel it's unfair, go use the swings when you're bored." Others defended the concept of shared living, stating, "That's what communal housing is." The exchange highlighted a growing tension over shared responsibilities in multi-unit dwellings, with some users lamenting a perceived increase in individuals unwilling to contribute to common costs if they don't see direct personal benefit.
That's what communal housing is.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.