Lawmaker Speaks Out Against ‘No Kids Zones’
A Korean lawmaker recently held an unusual press conference at the National Assembly* building in Seoul. She stood at the podium in front of reporters while holding a very special guest.The lawmaker was Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party,* who has been a member of the National Assembly since 2020. Her press conference took place on May 4, one day before Children’s Day, and she brought her 23-month-old son with her to the podium.While holding the toddler, Yong gave a speech criticizing the increasing number of so-called “no kids zones.” These are cafés, restaurants, and other facilities that only allow entrance to adults and forbid children from entering.“Even if it is sometimes uncomfortable, we must make more places where we can coexist with children,” Yong said during the press conference. Indeed, the issue of no kids zones has been a hot topic throughout Korea recently. Some Koreans agree with Yong and criticize businesses thatrefuse to serve families with young children. In May, the local government of Jeju Island even contemplated enacting a new ordinance to ban such child-free zones.Others, however, have shown their support for no kids zones, arguing that many adult customers get bothered by families with unruly children. Al so, they say that private businesses should have the freedom to restrict access in this manner.According to reports, there are currently about 540 restaurants, cafés, and other facilities that operate as no kids zones throughout Korea.
Questions:1. Who held the press conference at the National Assembly building in Seoul?2. What was the topic of the lawmaker's speech during the press conference?3. How do some Koreans feel about businesses that implement "no kids zones?"4. What action did the local government of Jeju Island consider taking regarding child-free zones?5. hat are the pros and cons of having "no kids zones" in public establishments? How do you think society can strike a balance between accommodating families with children and respecting the preferences of customers who prefer child-free environments?
