"Step Aside?" Netizens Fume Over Running Crew's Comments After Clashing With Citizen

Rapid Growth of Running Culture Raises Concerns Over Lack of Consideration
Frequent Pedestrian Collisions and Obstruction During Group Runs

Recently, the population of runners has increased rapidly, leading to the establishment of the so-called "running crew" culture. Riding the wave of health and self-care trends, group running has emerged as a social activity mainly among Millennials & Gen Z. However, disorderly behavior by certain crews has caused public inconvenience and sparked controversy. Running is considered an accessible exercise because it requires minimal equipment or expenses and can be enjoyed anywhere in the city. Additionally, the spread of crew recruitment through social networking services (SNS) and the "social running" culture has steadily increased participation. The participation of celebrities in running events and media exposure are also believed to have contributed to this trend. Nevertheless, conflicts surrounding running crews are also on the rise.

Recently, a story was posted on social media about a citizen who had a clash with a running crew of about 20 people on the Han River walking trail, sparking controversy. The crew was reportedly running in a three-abreast formation, blocking the path, and in the process, bumped shoulders with the citizen. The photo is unrelated to the specific content of the article. Getty Images·SNS

Recently, a story was posted on social media about a citizen who had a clash with a running crew of about 20 people on the Han River walking trail, sparking controversy. The crew was reportedly running in a three-abreast formation, blocking the path, and in the process, bumped shoulders with the citizen. The real issue arose afterward. In response to the citizen’s complaint, some crew members reportedly replied, "Shouldn't you step aside when you see people exercising?" This escalated the conflict and the story quickly spread online.

In response, many netizens criticized the incident, stating, "Group running should be done in a single line," and "It endangers pedestrian safety." Numerous comments stressed that for the running crew culture to continue to grow, individual freedom to exercise must be accompanied by consideration for others. Since public spaces are shared, there is a need for a mature culture that maintains basic order.

Riding the wave of health and self-care trends, group running has emerged as a social activity mainly among Millennials and Gen Z, but disorderly behavior by some crews has caused public inconvenience and sparked controversy. Photo unrelated to the specific content of the article. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Complaints about running crews are appearing in various forms, going beyond merely obstructing passage. Typical cases include dozens of people occupying walking paths or running at high speeds, increasing the risk of collisions with pedestrians. In addition, there have been reports of blocking walkways or parks to take group photos, shouting slogans or playing loud music that causes noise, and inappropriate acts such as running shirtless. Notably, such behavior is cited as an even greater risk to citizens who are walking with children, the elderly, or pets.

As public inconvenience has grown, local governments have started to respond. In Seoul, Seocho District previously limited group running to fewer than five people and recommended a two-meter distance between participants, while Seongbuk District installed signs promoting "keep right, run in a single line." Songpa District is also recommending that running in groups of more than three people be avoided. At Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo District, signs with rules such as "No removing shirts," "No shouting," and "No group running" have been installed and have resonated with citizens. The Seoul Metropolitan Government is emphasizing proper running etiquette through the "Mannered Seoul Running" campaign, which highlights running in a single line or in small groups on narrow paths, prioritizing pedestrians, refraining from loud noises and music, and properly disposing of one's own trash.

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