Broadcaster Shin Dong-yup shared an anecdote about being shocked by German mixed-gender bathing culture.
In the web variety show 'Zzanbro Shin Dong-yup,' released on the 9th, guests included India's Churin Lucky, Italy's Alberto, and Germany's Daniel.
In the video, Shin Dong-yup recalled his visit to Berlin for the filming of the variety show 'Adult Figures' (성+인물), stating, "I found out that Germany doesn't have the concept of separate men's and women's baths. Men and women used the shower rooms together without distinction." He added, "I was so surprised. During an interview, I asked if they had any awkward experiences, and one person said it was when they ran into their friend's mother," which drew laughter.
Shin Dong-yup then added, "At the place we visited, they even held birthday parties in the bathhouse. Men and women would strip naked, sit down, and drink alcohol, and they were selling alcohol there too," further heightening the surprise.
In response, Daniel explained, "This culture did not originally start with sexual connotations. It stems from naturism."
Daniel confessed, "I am also German, but I was surprised when I first went. They put honey in small soju cups and share it, and about 50 men and women would apply the honey all over their bodies. They say it is good for the skin and apply it that way. I was shocked too."
Upon hearing this, Lucky asked, "Is it mixed-gender everywhere in Germany?" to which Daniel replied, "Everything is mixed-gender."
Daniel explained, "(In Germany) there are also nude beaches and naked hiking. In the 19th century, as factories were built due to industrialization, the air quality deteriorated, leading to a movement saying 'Let's return to nature. Let's return to the most natural form, which is nudity.' This gave rise to the 'free body culture' in the sense of not being under pressure." He added that mixed-gender bathing culture in Germany became established after sauna culture was introduced from the United States.
He also mentioned that Germany encourages topless culture (not wearing upper-body clothing, including underwear). Due to women's protests against gender discrimination in Berlin, it is legally stated in Berlin that a woman not wearing a top cannot be grounds for being asked to leave a swimming pool or beach.
However, when Alberto said, "But if my wife were to go there (a place where topless is allowed)," Daniel, who is married to a Korean woman, sharply replied, "No way," drawing laughter.
in ENTERTAINMENT
