[Summary] Debates Erupt Over Ryu Ho-jeong's Pink Wrap Skirt Outfit at the National Assembly

Ryu Ho-jeong Attends National Assembly Plenary Session on the 4th Wearing a Pink Dress
Yoo Si-min Also Sparked Controversy Wearing 'White Pants' in the Assembly in the Past

Ryu Ho-jeong, 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 Reporter Heo Midam] The attire of Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong at the National Assembly plenary session on the 4th has sparked controversy. On that day, Ryu appeared in the plenary hall wearing a pink-toned one-piece dress. Some have criticized this as inappropriate attire for the venue, arguing that it is too casual for the National Assembly, which represents the people's will. On the other hand, there are claims that since there is no official 'National Assembly dress code' and the outfit is not significantly informal, Ryu's attire should not be considered problematic.

Ryu attended the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, wearing a wrap-type one-piece dress mixed with red, blue, and white colors, along with a yellow mask.

Some internet communities and social networking services (SNS) criticized Ryu's attire as inappropriate. The argument is that most lawmakers wear suits in the National Assembly, so wearing a one-piece dress is unsuitable. There were also remarks questioning whether such casual clothing is appropriate in the National Assembly, where various bills are deliberated and passed.

One netizen posted on SNS criticizing Ryu's outfit, stating, "Dressing appropriately for the time and place is also a courtesy to others." In response, comments on the post included, "Basic dress etiquette is necessary. If a public figure doesn't know the basics, they deserve criticism regardless of age," "This lowers the dignity of the National Assembly and completely ignores the public's view," and "Is she here for a fashion show?"

Conversely, there were opinions defending Ryu. Netizens responded, "Is there a set dress code in the National Assembly? (Ryu's outfit) is not indecent attire," "She didn't come in underwear, and isn't it more problematic that some lawmakers don't even attend sessions?" and "The dress controversy itself is outdated. Whether wearing a one-piece or a suit, I don't understand why this is an issue."

This is not the first time Ryu's attire has caused controversy. On the 20th of last month, she attended a National Assembly plenary session wearing jeans and a white shirt, drawing criticism for a 'campus look.' On the 30th of the same month, she appeared in a denim-on-denim outfit, and Ryu has been attending the National Assembly in casual clothing day after day.

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is leaving the plenary session hall after the National Assembly plenary session ended on the 20th of last month.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ryu is not the first lawmaker to face controversy over attire. In 2003, Yoo Si-min, then a member of the People's Reform Party, also faced difficulties due to casual clothing.

At that time, Yoo appeared at the National Assembly for the first time after winning a by-election wearing a casual black jacket, gray T-shirt, and white cotton pants. About ten lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, saying Yoo's attire damaged the dignity of lawmakers and left the session.

Some lawmakers scolded Yoo, saying, "Did you come here to play table tennis?" "Do you have no respect for the people?" and "Get out immediately." Eventually, Yoo took the oath the next day wearing a suit and tie.

Yoo, caught up in the so-called 'lawmaker attire' controversy, lamented, "At work, the most comfortable attire is best. Culturally, this is too narrow-minded. I feel disappointed."

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

Meanwhile, Ryu expressed surprise at the ongoing attention to her attire.

On the 25th of last month, on her YouTube channel 'Ryu Ho-jeong's Ryutube,' she said, "I wore shorts at the opening ceremony, but maybe that wasn't caught on the media cameras," adding, "Actually, I've been caught about five times wearing jeans and shorts. Should I say caught? I've worn jeans about three times and shorts about twice, and that's when it caught attention. Other lawmakers didn't particularly say anything until now."

She continued, "Literally, no one cared, so it's a bit surprising that it only now got caught on camera."

She added, "Since everyone wears jeans, it's a common outfit. Some companies allow jeans, and I don't think this should be controversial. I think it's a good change that the news caught this as 'Now, even wearing this much doesn't bother anyone.'"