Public Yoga Performances Spark Controversy

The rise of public yoga exhibitions, often featuring women in form-fitting outfits executing intricate poses in public spots like highways and historical sites, has ignited a wave of debate on social media. Many users have voiced their criticisms regarding these displays.

Yoga is celebrated for its ability to enhance flexibility, stamina, and reduce stress, making it especially popular among women. Traditionally, yoga practice occurs in serene, private environments where practitioners wear fitted attire to aid their movements. However, there has been a noticeable increase in public yoga events recently, which has drawn considerable backlash.

An example occurred in early November 2024 when social media users shared photos of a woman performing yoga outside the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. The individual, dressed in tight athletic clothing, showcased challenging poses like handstands and backbends. Many observers criticized this behavior as disrespectful to the revered site, leading to a barrage of negative comments online.

Another instance of this trend was recorded in late October 2024 when two female tourists practiced yoga on Fansipan Mountain in Lao Cai. A video captured by another tourist showed the women, in their fitted yoga outfits, posing in a way that obstructed other visitors trying to enjoy the scenic views and take their own photographs.

A couple visiting Da Lat expressed their frustration after climbing a mountain for picturesque cloud views, only to encounter a group of women engrossed in yoga poses, effectively blocking their opportunity to photograph the clouds.

This emerging trend has prompted intense discussions online. While some people appreciate the commitment to fitness, many others disapprove of public yoga performances, arguing that they disregard the needs of fellow visitors and shared public spaces.

A particularly controversial event in May 2024 involved around 14 women in Thai Binh performing yoga poses on a busy road in Kien Xuong District. Wearing yoga attire and sprawled across the roadway, they obstructed traffic to take photos, which was seen as disruptive and led to local authorities imposing fines on them.

Later in May, 16 members of a yoga club faced penalties for conducting another photo session in the road amid blooming flowers in Thai Binh, which also drew significant criticism from the public, labeling their actions as disruptive and irresponsible.