[New Word Dictionary] Napocheu - Exercising Under the Moonlight

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] France, where more than 20,000 deaths have occurred due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), has implemented a nationwide movement restriction order since the 17th. People who were suddenly confined are restricted from going out except for purchasing daily necessities or medicines and commuting to and from work. While spending a frustrating daily life indoors, some people began to come out onto their balconies at night. In an apartment in Nantes, a city in western France, a group exercise program was created from 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM under the leadership of a resident who is a fitness trainer. At first, one or two people came out onto the balcony and started barehanded exercises with music, and attracted by their cheerful sounds, more residents joined one by one, and now it has become a GX where the group watches and follows the trainer’s movements at a set time. Residents following the movements in the hallway respond that they gain new energy. After finishing the exercises, they conclude with applause to support the medical staff struggling with COVID-19.

'Napocheu' is a compound word of Night and Sports, referring to enjoying various exercises such as walking, running, barehanded exercises, and hiking in the evening after work. With the implementation of the 52-hour workweek system and the spread of a self-development atmosphere, Napocheu quickly established itself as a trend. As the number of Napocheu participants increased, local governments installed outdoor landscape lighting, and with the increase of various nighttime race events and gatherings, the sight of runners roaming the city at night has become a natural scene. As the period of refraining from going out and outdoor activities due to the fear of COVID-19 infection lengthened, the number of people complaining of depression and anxiety surged worldwide, and Nantes’ balcony Napocheu is being talked about as a good example that takes care of health and allows people to feel a small sense of freedom.

Example

A: Why are you shopping so hard?
B: Ah, I’m trying to buy leggings. It’s not easy to find ones with reflective lines.
A: Are leggings with reflective lines popular these days?
B: Last week, when I had a running meeting at Hangang, I almost collided with a bicycle. They probably didn’t see me because I was wearing all black clothes.
A: It’s a relief you weren’t hurt. Napocheu is good, but be careful of accidents while exercising~

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.