Ahn Jae-wook laments noise complaints restricting children's school activities

Actor Ahn Jae-wook expressed bitterness on a YouTube channel released on the 4th regarding noise complaints from apartment residents that are curtailing elementary school sports days and children's play. The late-blooming father noted that even routine activities like playing soccer or basketball are being restricted as residential areas grow closer to schools.

Actor Ahn Jae-wook expressed bitterness over the reality where elementary school sports days and children's play are being curtailed due to noise complaints from apartment residents. Pointing to a trend where children's shouts and laughter are treated as noise, he emphasized, "If you can endure just a few hours, children will have memories that last decades." His sincere remarks, made from the perspective of a father who had a child later in life, are drawing empathy.

On the 4th, a video titled "Song Eun-i's first love Ahn Jae-wook appears in person" was released on the YouTube channel 'Secret Guarantee'. Appearing as a guest, Ahn Jae-wook shared various stories and displayed his characteristic witty charm while conversing with his close friends Song Eun-i and Kim Sook. During the conversation, he spoke about his experience emceeing his eldest child's school sports day and shared his thoughts on recent changes occurring around schools.

Ahn stated, "If there is an apartment complex, an elementary school is usually located in between. But I heard that apartment residents file complaints because it is noisy." He directly addressed the reality where the sounds of children's activities are perceived as a nuisance by some residents as schools and residential areas grow closer together.

The issue is not limited to sports days. Ahn pointed out, "It's a world where complaints are filed not just for sports days, but even for children playing soccer or basketball." He expressed regret that even the routine activities of children running and playing naturally with friends at school are being restricted by noise issues.

He shared the words he spoke to parents while actually emceeing a sports day. "The parents applauded at that time," Ahn said, revealing, "I said, 'How can children's shouts and laughter be felt as noise? If you can endure just a few hours, children will have memories that last decades.'"

His intention was to suggest that the brief moments of children's laughter and shouting should not be viewed merely as noise, but accepted as precious experiences that will be remembered for a long time during their growth. His remarks carry even more meaning given that a sports day is a representative event where children build memories within the school community by running and cheering with friends.

At the time, the principal reportedly responded to Ahn's words. "The principal also stood up and applauded. It is so bitter," he added. His words reflected disappointment in the atmosphere where it is becoming difficult for children to fully engage in energetic activities even within school grounds.

Ahn is a late-blooming father who had his first child at age 55, and he is experiencing the changes in the educational field firsthand through his child's school life. His remarks, reflecting on the meaning of sports days and school life from a parent's perspective, prompted a reflection on a reality where even children's play and laughter become targets of complaints. His question—whether we cannot allow children memories that last decades instead of enduring a few hours of inconvenience—left a quiet resonance.

However, some point out that not all parents had children at a late age like Ahn, nor do they all share the same perspective.

Read the original (Korean)