[Summary] "Is She Delivering Coffee? lol" Pro-Moon Supporters Spark Sexual Harassment Scandal Over Ryu Hojung's Dress at National Assembly

Unexpected Controversy Over Ryu Hojung's Dress at the National Assembly
Sexually Harassing Remarks from Some Democratic Party Supporters Target Ryu
Ryu Hojung: "The Authority of the National Assembly Is Not Defined by Suits"

Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker, is briefly leaving the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 4th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, Han Seunggon] As Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker, attended the National Assembly plenary session on the 4th wearing a pink dress, sparking controversy over so-called "parliamentary attire," sexually harassing remarks targeting her have emerged among pro-Moon Jae-in supporters, raising concerns of a wider scandal.

On this day, an online community of Democratic Party supporters was flooded with criticism of Ryu's outfit.

The main issue is that these were not constructive criticisms, but rather rampant sexually harassing comments. One supporter mocked, "Would it be okay to come to work in hot pants, no panties, and no bra? lol," while another commented, "Sexy girl~~ I love it for eye candy~♡♡♡."

Another supporter posted a lewd remark, saying, "Is she working part-time as a karaoke hostess? That's exactly how she looks." Some even acknowledged that their comments could be problematic, saying, "If we're not careful, this could be called a lack of gender sensitivity, so let's be cautious."

Nevertheless, other Democratic Party supporters continued with sexually harassing remarks such as, "Is this the new Ryu? Oppa, can I have a cup of tea with you?", "I thought someone was delivering coffee to the National Assembly~", "Did they open an entertainment bar in the National Assembly?", and "Oppa~~ how do you like my butt??"

According to multiple media reports, Ryu's outfit that day was the same one she wore to the '2040 Youth Dabang' forum, a research group of young lawmakers, held the previous day (the 4th).

According to Ryu's office, at that event, Ryu and Yoo Jungju, a Democratic Party lawmaker and co-chair, promised the attending young participants that they would wear the same outfits to the plenary session, and they kept that promise.

Ryu Hojung, Justice Party member of the National Assembly, is leaving the plenary hall after the plenary session ended on the 20th of last month.
Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, Ryu stated that there was nothing problematic about the controversy regarding her attire.

Speaking with Newsis by phone on the same day, Ryu said, "I don't believe the authority of the National Assembly should forever be established by suits," and emphasized, "Customs or TPO (Time, Place, Occasion) are not meant to remain unchanged forever."

Regarding criticism that her outfit was inappropriate for the National Assembly, she said, "I believe I entered wearing 'clothes suitable for work.' There's too much emphasis on uniform attire, but even within the National Assembly, there are discussions about changing these conventions." She further questioned, "Even aside from attire, does a National Assembly filled with men in their 50s truly represent the citizens?"

In 2003, when Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, first entered the National Assembly, he took the oath of office in casual attire.
Photo by YTN Broadcast Screen Capture

This is not the first time controversy has erupted over attire at the National Assembly's plenary session. In 2003, then-National Reform Party lawmaker Yoo Si-min attended the plenary session in casual clothes, sparking the so-called "back pants" controversy.

Lawmakers from the Grand National Party (now United Future Party) protested by collectively walking out, and Yoo eventually changed his clothes before taking the oath of office. At the time, Yoo lamented, "At a workplace, the most comfortable attire for working should be acceptable. Culturally, you are being too narrow-minded. I'm disappointed."

As debate continues over the appropriateness of Ryu's dress at the National Assembly, it should be noted that there are no specific regulations regarding attire. The only relevant provision is Article 25 of the National Assembly Act, which broadly states that lawmakers must maintain dignity.

Meanwhile, Jin Joongkwon, former professor at Dongyang University, referenced Yoo's case in a Facebook post on the same day, stating, "Back then, Democratic Party supporters defended that dress code," and criticized, "But now, they are policing attire. They are starting to resemble supporters of the old conservative party."