Too little gear? Video of underwear-clad cyclist sparks debate.
However, since the cyclist's underwear covered their intimate body parts, their decision to ride a bicycle in their underwear does not necessarily constitute indecent exposure under the law.
A screen capture from a YouTube video, showing a man in just his underwear riding a bicycle along the Han RiverSCREEN CAPTURE
A clip of a man cycling in only his underwear along the Han River is drawing criticism online.
The footage, dated May 24 and shared on bicycle-focused YouTuber Drone Rider’s channel on Monday, depicts a man wearing only his helmet and underpants while on his bicycle.
Drone Rider’s video had 7,400 views as of Tuesday.
“I really don’t understand why anyone would ride dressed like this,” the YouTuber said in the video. “I’ve already received three or four reports about this person. People say that [he] rides all along the Han River bike paths.”
He argued that the cyclist’s attire crossed the line.
“[He’s] not even wearing shorts, just underwear,” the YouTuber said. “Riding in that kind of outfit is inconsiderate [to others]. Shouldn’t [he] at least wear pants? What did everyone else do to deserve seeing that?”
Viewers shared their similar experiences in the video’s comments.
“I see that person all the time on the Han River bike paths,” one comment read.
Bicycles for Seoul’s public bicycle service Ttareungi are seen on a street in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul on Feb. 1, in this photo unrelated to the article.YONHAP
“I saw the cyclist at Banpo Han River Park [in Seocho District, southern Seoul] just a couple of days ago,” another read.
“There are [already] plenty of shirtless runners, and I don’t even want to see that,” one user wrote.
Under Korean law, exposing intimate body parts, such as the genitals or buttocks, in a public place in a way that causes discomfort to others may constitute indecent exposure under the Punishment of Minor Offenses Act. Violators face a minor administrative fine, fines of up to 100,000 won ($70) or detention.
Depending on its nature and severity, such conduct may also constitute public indecency under the Criminal Act. Violators face a minoradministrative fine, a fine of up to 5 million won, detention or up to one year in prison.
However, if the cyclist’s underwear covered their intimate body parts, their decision to ride a bicycle in their underwear would not necessarily constitute indecent exposure under the law.
BY JEONG HYE-JEONG [lee.jiwon10@joongang.co.kr]
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
