Yoga and Pilates: Korea’s Studio Wave to India’s Yoga Policy — 2026-10-17
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Korea’s National Assembly has launched an official investigation into "eat-and-run" closures in the pilates and yoga sector, responding to data showing 70% of prepaid fitness refund disputes stem from these studios. In India, the Uttar Pradesh government announced a new Ayush Policy to boost investment in wellness infrastructure, while global chains like CorePower Yoga accelerate expansion with over 20 new US studios planned for 2026.
Yoga and Pilates: Korea’s Studio Wave to India’s Yoga Policy — 2026-10-17
Top developments
Korea launches parliamentary probe into "eat-and-run" studio closures
On October 16, 2026, Kim Jae-won, a member of the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, announced a formal investigation into sudden closures and refund refusals in pilates and yoga facilities. The probe, running until October 30, aims to gather victim testimonies from consumers who lost prepaid fees, instructors facing wage arrears, and operators who sold centers without receiving payment. This legislative move addresses a critical gap in consumer protection, where studio operators frequently vanish with prepaid membership fees, leaving hundreds of clients and employees in financial limbo.
Uttar Pradesh prepares new Ayush Policy to attract wellness investment
The Uttar Pradesh government is finalizing a new Ayush Policy for November 2026, designed to boost investment in research, panchakarma, and wellness centers. The policy emphasizes public-private partnership (PPP) models to strengthen Ayush hospitals and infrastructure, offering special incentives such as capital subsidies and stamp duty exemptions to investors. This initiative signals a strategic shift in India’s approach to traditional medicine and yoga, aiming to formalize the sector and create employment opportunities through structured healthcare and wellness facilities.
CorePower Yoga accelerates US expansion with 20+ new studios
CorePower Yoga, the largest yoga studio chain in the United States, is accelerating its growth with plans to open more than 20 new studios in 2026, targeting key markets across the country. With over 220 existing centers, the company is focusing on expanding its footprint in major fitness hubs, reinforcing the trend of consolidation among boutique fitness brands. This expansion contrasts with the financial instability seen in smaller independent studios, highlighting the advantage of established chains in capturing market share during industry shifts.
Pilates Addiction hits 350 licenses sold in rapid rollout
Pilates Addiction, a premium franchise known for its patented equipment and high-energy programming, announced it has sold 350 licenses as it shifts into high-gear national rollout. This milestone reflects the continued strength of the reformer pilates boom, with franchise models gaining traction among investors looking to capitalize on the sector's popularity. The rapid licensing pace suggests strong demand for branded, standardized pilates experiences, even as independent studios face closure risks.
Local view
Korean media highlights systemic flaws in studio contracts
Local outlets such as Newspim and Today Newspaper are reporting extensively on the "eat-and-run" phenomenon, citing data that 7 out of 10 prepaid fitness refund disputes involve health and pilates centers. Stakeholders argue that current regulations fail to protect consumers and instructors, prompting calls for stricter oversight and mandatory deposit insurance. The Daejon Daily reported on a specific case in Cheonan where a fitness center forced instructors to sign agreements waiving legal action in exchange for promised wage payments, illustrating the precarious position of studio employees.
Indian press focuses on Ayush sector growth and certification
Hindi-language media, including Dainik Bhaskar and Patrika, are covering the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Ayush Policy, emphasizing its potential to generate jobs and attract foreign investment into wellness infrastructure. Reports highlight the government's focus on standardizing practices through research and formalizing the role of Ayush hospitals. Additionally, local news from Almora reported on the internal restructuring of the Ayush Yoga Instructor Association, reflecting ongoing efforts to professionalize yoga instruction at the grassroots level.
Context & numbers
Market size and growth projections
The global Pilates and Yoga Studios Market is projected to grow from USD 244.5 billion in 2026 to USD 583.6 billion by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 11.5%. Another study by Polaris Market Research estimates the market at USD 142.30 billion in 2025, with a forecast to reach USD 479.52 billion by 2034 at a 14.5% CAGR. These figures underscore the massive economic scale of the industry, which continues to attract both consumer spending and franchise investment despite operational challenges.
Refund dispute statistics in Korea
Data cited in recent Korean legislative investigations indicates that pilates and health centers account for approximately 70% of all prepaid transaction refund disputes over the past five years. This disproportionate share highlights the sector's vulnerability to sudden closures and the inadequacy of current consumer protection mechanisms for long-term prepayments.
On the radar
November: Uttar Pradesh Ayush Policy Cabinet Approval
The new Ayush Policy in Uttar Pradesh is expected to be presented to the state cabinet in November 2026. Investors and wellness operators are watching closely for details on capital subsidies and PPP frameworks.
October 30: End of Korean Victim Testimony Collection
The National Assembly’s investigation into pilates and yoga studio closures will conclude its public testimony collection phase on October 30, 2026. Results from this survey will likely influence future regulatory reforms regarding prepaid fitness memberships.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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