Running crews criticized for disrupting streets in Seoul

Reckless running, scooter, cycling groups spark safety concerns and calls for stricter regulations in urban areas

Running crews in downtown Seoul, particularly in areas like Gwanghwamun, Itaewon, and Han River Park, are being labeled a nuisance. Reports on running community forums reveal incidents where large groups block sidewalks, yell loudly, and play music while running on school tracks. A 45-year-old office worker who runs near the Han River Park in Yeouido twice a week expressed frustration, saying, “It’s quite upsetting to see large groups shouting ‘Coming through’ and ‘Move aside’ in such an inconsiderate manner.”

Around 30 members of a running crew pose in the middle of a crosswalk in this picture uploaded to an online community.

The Eighty Eight Seoul (EES) Running Club, a pioneer in the running crew trend, recently organized a one-on-one tournament along a 20-meter stretch in front of Sewoon Plaza in Seoul. This event prompted complaints on community forums, questioning whether safety measures and permits for a commercial event were in place. Comments such as “What kind of running happens on the sidewalk?” “Such a thoughtless social gathering,” and “How is this any different from a motorcycle gang?” followed.

The EES crew had previously faced criticism for similar events, including one last year at Daerim Plaza in Seoul, where dozens ran through a subway station. These events devolve into beer parties, attracting attention from younger people. However, this “fashion runner” image has also become a subject of ridicule. A 34-year-old runner, Kim, said, “After participating once, I noticed many were overly geared and more interested in trends than actual exercise.”

Running crews are often called “run-rani,” a blend of “runner” and “gorani,” the Korean word for deer, referring to how they suddenly take over sidewalks and streets. The term is inspired by “kick-rani,” combining “kickboard” (Korean term for scooters) and gorani, which likens reckless scooter riders to deer that dart onto roads without warning. Boy band BTS member Suga recently earned the nickname “drunk kick-rani” after being investigated for riding an electric scooter while intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227%, far exceeding the legal limit of 0.08%. He apologized, stating he was unaware that riding a scooter while drunk was illegal. Former Premier League player Jesse Lingard (FC Seoul) also faced fines for riding an electric scooter without a license, not wearing a helmet, exceeding the passenger limit, and riding against traffic.

Videos on social media show users riding e-scooters in groups, disregarding traffic laws and riding against traffic. While e-scooters have rapidly gained popularity, safety awareness remains low. A license is required to operate e-scooters, and they should ideally use bike lanes or the edges of the road. However, it is common to see students riding them without regard for sidewalks or roads. According to KoROAD, there were 87 fatalities and 8,665 injuries from personal mobility device accidents over the last five years (2019-2023).

A couple rides an electric scooter against traffic without wearing helmets in this video grab from an online community.

Reckless cyclists had already been a long-standing issue. On online communities like “Bobaedream,” posts still appear showing cyclists riding in subway stations, cycling in the fast lane, or causing accidents by using their phones while biking, often crashing into cars from behind. A recent post highlighted a case where a cyclist hit a parked car and fled the scene, leaving the car owner frustrated with no way to track down the culprit.

A cyclist is seen colliding with the rear of a parked vehicle in this dashcam footage shared on the online community Bobaedream.

The problem is that under current road traffic laws, it is difficult to penalize reckless e-scooter and bicycle riders. In response, the National Assembly recently introduced a bill to amend the Road Traffic Act to treat personal mobility devices, like electric scooters, under the same strict regulations as drunk driving. This bill, proposed by the main opposition Democratic Party lawmaker Lim Ho-seon, includes lowering the maximum speed limit from the current 25 km/h to 20 km/h.

Some local governments have also taken action to curb disruptive groups. Seocho District in Seoul implemented a new rule on Oct. 1, limiting group runs of more than five people at Banpo Sports Complex. Songpa District also installed banners around Seokchon Lake, urging runners to limit groups to three or fewer, and started broadcasting announcements asking them to run in single file.