Public Transit Phone Noise Sparks Online Debate in South Korea

"Use earphones and watch YouTube" vs "They might have reasons" — A heated online debate has erupted over noise from mobile phone use in public spaces.

The controversy centers on whether people should be allowed to watch videos on their phones without earphones in public places. Opinions are particularly divided over elderly passengers who play videos at high volume on public transit, with some calling for understanding while others demand adherence to public etiquette.

According to Seoul Metro, complaints about mobile phone noise totaled 2,734 from January through April last year — an average of approximately 23 complaints per day.

Complaints included reports such as "an elderly person is watching videos with speaker volume turned up high in priority seating" and "the passenger in front is playing videos loudly on repeat."

Seoul Metro has conducted awareness campaigns including in-station announcements and social media outreach to address the issue. In June last year, the transit authority distributed 600 wired earphones to passengers at Jegi-dong Station on Line 1 to promote earphone use.

Online 'Earphone Debate' Intensifies

The controversy reignited when a social media user posted about "elderly people watching YouTube without earphones in public places." Broadcaster Han Seok-jun, an announcer, commented: "Don't hate them too much. It might be hard for them to hear through earphones. I don't really know since I'm not that age yet." His response amplified the debate.

The post garnered approximately 2.8 million views and spread rapidly across online communities and social media, drawing sharply divided opinions.

Critics argued that playing videos at high volume in public spaces violates basic etiquette. Some users commented: "Just because you can't hear well doesn't mean you should disturb others" and "You don't have to watch videos on a crowded subway during rush hour." Others added: "Watch videos at home" and "Public space rules should be followed regardless of age."

However, many called for understanding the circumstances of elderly passengers. Responses included: "Poor hearing may make earphone use more uncomfortable," "They may not be familiar with how to use wireless earphones," and "Age-related hearing loss or tinnitus may make earphone use difficult."

Na Hae-geun, head of Seoul Metro's Operations Division, said: "The subway is a space shared by many citizens, and even small individual actions can cause significant inconvenience to others. We hope to build a culture of mutual respect on public transit through the small consideration of wearing earphones when using mobile phones."

Overseas Approaches Include Fines

The issue of playing videos or music without earphones in public spaces is also being addressed abroad.

In the United Kingdom, authorities are reportedly pursuing measures to impose fines of up to 1,000 pounds (approximately 1.98 million won) for playing videos or music without earphones on public transit.

In the United States, airlines are strengthening related regulations. United Airlines recently revised its contract of carriage to require passengers to wear headphones when using audio content on board. The airline also established grounds for denying boarding or removing passengers who do not comply.

Delta Air Lines also recommends earphone use and provides complimentary earphones on most flights. Southwest Airlines has effectively made headphone use mandatory through regulations allowing sanctions against passengers who do not follow crew instructions.