A South Korean golf club that uses Japanese golf carts was called a hypocrite after announcing it will not allow customers arriving in Japanese cars such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Infinity, to use its parking or cartage facilities from next year.
The policy to be implemented by Anes Ville Country Club in Gimje, North Jeolla Province is supposedly in remembrance of the sacrifices of Koreans during Japan's colonization.
According to a notice by the Anes Ville Country Club, they aim to honor their ancestors' deeds in fighting Japanese imperialist persecution to protect South Korea and pass on liberty to future generations.
However, those using Japanese cars can still play golf there.
The golf club went on to ask our clients to support their movement and conviction and criticized Japan for distorting history and refusing to apologize to Koreans.
The announcement drew mixed responses among South Koreans.
One commented online that it is a company's prerogative to decline to host a customer.
Some say the anti-Japan measure is distorted, unreasonable, hypocritic, and unfair to customers who drive Japanese cars.
Some called Anes Ville's anti-Japan boycott as hypocritical as it is using Japanese-made golf carts whose logos were removed.
Others questioned whether the boycott applies only to cars or if it also covers golf clubs, golf clothing, and golf bags made by Japanese brands.
One described it as "a highly patriotic marketing gimmick."
Someone also raised the issue of the legality of restricting entry to a facility for using products made in a particular country.
An official in charge of golf club registration and management at the North Jeolla Provincial Government said there is no clause in the Sports Facility Management Act to justify the act.
According to the current Sports Facilities Management Act, public golf courses are available to anyone in order of reservation and arrival.
