A residential complex in Jeonju, South Korea, has sparked controversy after requesting delivery riders to remove their helmets and masks to reveal their faces. The notice has generated significant discussion among internet users.
On September 8, a post titled "Notice requesting delivery riders to show their faces at an apartment in Jeonju" was shared on the social media account of Bobae Dream, accompanied by a photo of the notice.
The notice requests that delivery riders and others wearing helmets show their faces, stating, "Many residents have expressed concerns and fears when they see individuals with their faces covered by helmets. We kindly ask that you lift your helmet to reveal your face when moving within the complex or using the elevator. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation to ensure all residents can feel safe and comfortable while passing through the area."
The apartment management cited safety and security as the reasons for this request. They noted that if individuals use common entrances and elevators with their faces covered, it becomes difficult to identify them through CCTV footage in case of any incidents.
However, the term "showing faces" used in the notice does not imply that delivery riders' photos or personal information will be made public online. It simply requests that they remove their helmets and masks so that their faces can be identified by CCTV when entering the premises.
Despite this clarification, many delivery riders have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the measure treats their profession as if they are potential criminals. They contend that since they already receive assignments through platforms and travel directly to customers' addresses, requiring additional face verification is excessive.
In particular, delivery riders using motorcycles may face delays if they have to remove and then put on their helmets each time they enter the complex. For those who earn per delivery and are pressed for time, even a brief entry procedure can be a significant burden.
One internet user pointed out, "If delivery riders are required to show their faces, the same standard should apply to other outsiders, such as parcel delivery workers or repair technicians."
Another user remarked, "If we start requiring face verification and personal information for crime prevention, we need to establish clear guidelines on how far this will go," adding that the request seems to reflect bias against certain professions.
Current delivery riders also commented that they often receive suspicious looks simply for wearing helmets, and that differing entry procedures at various complexes lead to conflicts on-site due to tight delivery schedules.
Conversely, some residents support the measure, arguing that it is necessary for safety. They believe that since unknown individuals can access common areas and approach residents' doors, at the very least, their faces should be identifiable.
These residents stated, "This is not about viewing delivery riders as criminals, but rather a procedure to verify the identity of outsiders entering the complex," and added, "If an incident occurs, it is useless to check CCTV footage if all faces are covered."
However, some residents with children expressed heightened concerns. One user noted, "Children and women may feel anxious encountering a stranger with a covered face in the elevator," indicating understanding of the apartment's request.
In some cases, apartments have gone beyond asking delivery riders to remove their helmets, requiring them to write their phone numbers and names in a guestbook or leave identification. Some complexes only allow the use of freight elevators instead of regular ones or prohibit motorcycle access, forcing riders to walk long distances with food.
As a result, delivery riders have begun referring to complexes with strict entry conditions as "heavenly dragon apartments" and share information about them. Last month, there were also criticisms regarding excessive entry restrictions at certain apartments, which were seen as discriminatory against delivery workers.
Reactions among internet users regarding this controversy have been sharply divided, with some arguing it is a "minimal cooperation for resident safety" while others see it as a "discriminatory demand treating delivery riders as potential criminals."
Ultimately, the core issue is not whether to verify faces but whether the same reasonable standards are applied to all external visitors. There is a growing call for an entry system that considers both resident safety and the rights and working conditions of delivery riders.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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