Im Hyun-ju Gets Honest About ‘No Kids Zones’ and Parenting in Public.
Announcer Im Hyun-Ju recently sparked discussion after sharing her honest thoughts on “No Kids Zones.” On June 1st, she posted on social media, saying, “I wrote down some thoughts I had while wrapping up yesterday, and since I received both agreement and differing opinions, I’m elaborating further.”
She shared that she’d been turned away from a café she used to like—this time because she had her child with her. “I went back to a cafe I had enjoyed before, but after parking and putting Lily in the stroller, the parking attendant, looking flustered, told me it was a ‘No Kids Zone.’ I asked, ‘Is there a sign anywhere?’ They said I wouldn’t be allowed in anyway and directed me to another cafe nearby,” she wrote. “It made me realize again why there are so many No Kids Zones… Why can’t children go to trendy places? What kind of inconvenience do they cause?”
After receiving both support and criticism, she posted a follow-up. “It’s become natural to search whether cafes or restaurants allow children before going out with my child. Sometimes I forget, but yesterday, that reality felt particularly significant,” she said.
Im Hyun-Ju acknowledged why such zones exist. “Because children make noise, because they cry, because they disturb others. I also understand that No Kids Zones are at the owner’s discretion… But I wondered if we could think differently. If those behaviors are always seen as ‘inconveniences,’ I might start thinking kids are ‘beings who can be excluded.’”
She also questioned the fairness: “Some irresponsible parents cause problems, sure—but adults do too. Grouping all kids together feels wrong. One can imagine how absurd it would be to see signs like ‘No entry for men in their 30s,’ or ‘No entry for seniors.’”
Worried her post would be misunderstood, she added, “Even before my child was born, I had such cautiousness embedded in me. But in reality, I encounter far more people who look at my child, talk to them, or smile.”
Im Hyun-Ju also shared a touching story from a restaurant visit. “Both kids started fussing, and I couldn’t eat. I broke out in a sweat. Then a mom at the next table offered to hold my child so I could eat. I was so grateful.” She ended with, “It takes a village to raise a child. I believe if more moments like that build up, our views on children will slowly change.”
Known for challenging norms, Im Hyun-Ju has also spoken up against beauty standards—wearing glasses on-air in 2018 and hosting a show braless in 2020. After joining JTBC in 2011, she moved to MBC in 2013 and continues to make her voice heard.
