Gominjeong "Thankful to Ryu Hojeong for Breaking the National Assembly's Authoritarianism"

"National Assembly, a Place Where Different Thoughts Are Allowed"

Gominjeong, Member of the Democratic Party of Korea / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Regarding Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Hojung, who sparked controversy over so-called 'National Assembly attire' by attending the plenary session in a one-piece dress, Go Minjung of the Democratic Party of Korea expressed gratitude, saying, "I want to thank her for breaking the National Assembly's excessive solemnity and authoritarianism."

On the 5th, Go wrote on her Facebook, "I do not agree with all of Ryu Hojung's thoughts because there are quite a few points where our opinions differ," but added, "However, I cannot agree with the excessive criticism she received because of the clothes she wore."

She emphasized, "The National Assembly should be a place where different voices, different appearances, and different thoughts are allowed."

Earlier, on the 4th, Ryu attended the National Assembly plenary session wearing a pink-toned one-piece dress and sneakers. This led to criticism on some online communities and social networking services (SNS), questioning whether her attire was appropriate for a lawmaker.

In some online communities composed of Democratic Party supporters, sexist remarks such as "She looks like a karaoke hostess" and "Did you come to deliver coffee?" were posted, causing further controversy.

In response, on the 5th, Ryu told 'Newsis' in an interview, "I do not think the authority of the National Assembly will forever be established by suits," and countered, "Regardless of attire, is a National Assembly filled with middle-aged men in their 50s truly representing the citizens?"

The Justice Party also issued a statement on the same day criticizing the sexist remarks aimed at Ryu. Justice Party spokesperson Jo Hyemin stated, "We strongly regret that the criticism directed at Ryu contains sexist prejudice," and pointed out, "We cannot agree with the behavior of trying to declare a female politician 'unqualified' by evaluating her appearance and image rather than her legislative activities."

Former Dongyang University professor Jin Joongkwon also strongly criticized on his Facebook, asking, "Is there a separate National Assembly uniform?"

Referring to the case in 2003 when Yoo Si-min, then a lawmaker of the People's Reform Party, attended the plenary session wearing casual clothes known as 'back pants,' Jin said, "At that time, Democratic Party supporters defended that dress code," and added, "But now they are enforcing dress codes. They are becoming just like the old right-wing party supporters."