MBC Announcer Lim Hyun-joo Shares Thoughts on No-Kids Zones

MBC announcer Lim Hyun-joo (임현주), aged 40, recently expressed her views on the growing trend of no-kids zones in public spaces. On June 1, she took to Instagram to share her reflections, stating, "I understand the reasons behind the establishment of no-kids zones and have become accustomed to them. However, yesterday, the reality hit me hard."

Lim recounted a visit to a beloved café from her past, only to find it had become a no-kids zone, prompting her to question, "Why are there so many no-kids zones? Why can't children visit these trendy places? What kind of inconvenience do they cause?" Her post sparked a variety of opinions online regarding the no-kids zone policy.

She acknowledged the common arguments for no-kids zones, such as children being noisy or disruptive, and recognized that it is the owner's prerogative to enforce such rules. However, she urged for a broader perspective, suggesting that labeling children's behavior as 'inconvenient' could lead to a harmful internalization that children are 'acceptable to exclude.'

Lim also pointed out that while there are irresponsible parents, similar behaviors can be found across all age groups. She posed a thought-provoking question: "Wouldn't it be absurd if we saw signs saying 'No entry for men in their 30s,' 'No entry for women in their 20s,' or 'No entry for seniors'?"

While she acknowledged the potential for her views to be seen as selfish, she emphasized the importance of community in raising children. Lim concluded her post by reflecting on the idea that shared experiences among parents, children, and the community could lead to a more inclusive environment for all.

Lim Hyun-joo joined MBC as an announcer in 2013 after working with JTBC. She married British author Daniel Tudor in February 2023 and is a mother to two daughters.