From 'One Piece' to 'Solo Protests'... Will '90s-born' Ryu Ho-jeong Change the National Assembly Landscape?

One-piece outfit and workwear... 'Youngest in National Assembly' Ryu Ho-jeong draws attention daily
Youth: "Change in the middle-aged male-dominated National Assembly," "Expect representation of youth voices"
Experts: "Likely to change National Assembly atmosphere... Should not become a 'political show'"

On the morning of the 28th, as President Moon Jae-in arrived at the National Assembly to deliver the 2021 budget proposal speech, Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, was holding a solo protest urging the enactment of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] "Do you remember laborer Kim Yong-gyun?"

On the 28th, Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong directed this question toward President Moon Jae-in as he entered the National Assembly for the policy speech. On the same day, Ryu held a one-person protest in front of the main gate of the National Assembly building, urging the enactment of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act.

Wearing the work clothes and helmet of the late irregular worker Kim Yong-gyun, who died in an industrial accident at the Taean Thermal Power Plant two years ago, Ryu held a placard that read "President Moon Jae-in, let's meet with irregular workers" and shouted toward the president, "Hello, Mr. President. This is Justice Party lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong."

She continued, "Do you remember laborer Kim Yong-gyun? Please do not forget to enact the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act." In response, President Moon nodded at Ryu and entered the National Assembly.

It is rare for a sitting lawmaker to conduct a one-person protest to question the president or request specific issues during the president's visit to the National Assembly for a policy speech. Among supporters, Ryu's actions have raised expectations that she could change the traditionally high-handed atmosphere of the National Assembly.

Experts view this as an attempt to break the mold of conventional politics. However, they caution that such acts, if planned merely to attract attention, could backfire. The concern is that if social issues are not addressed through legislative activities, these actions might be perceived merely as 'political shows.'

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is wearing the work clothes of a wiring worker while questioning at the National Assembly audit on the Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Korea South-East Power held by the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on the afternoon of the 15th. Photo by Yonhap News

This is not the first time Ryu attracted attention by appearing at official events in attire other than a suit.

During the National Assembly audit on the 15th by the Industry, Trade, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Venture Capital Committee, which examined Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Korea Power Exchange, and Korea South-East Power, Ryu wore the helmet and work clothes of a wiring worker while questioning.

Regarding this choice of attire, Ryu explained on the 28th on KBS Radio's "Kim Kyung-rae's Strong Current Affairs," "If I just wear the clothes once, I can tell this story a little more, and then it can be adopted as a promotional method as much as possible."

Additionally, in August, Ryu drew attention by appearing in a red dress at the National Assembly plenary session.

At that time, Ryu said on CBS Radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," "Isn't the National Assembly currently dominated by middle-aged men in their 50s?" She added, "That was symbolized by black or dark suits and ties, and I wanted to break those customs."

She continued, "I thought, 'The National Assembly is a workplace and no different.' In fact, I don't think the authority of the National Assembly is established by suits. I believe it can only be established when working for the citizens. We don't wear hanbok now, do we? Customs also change with the times. I think I came to work wearing clothes suitable for doing my job well," she explained.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As a result, among voters, there are expectations that Ryu, born in the 1990s, can contribute to changing the traditional image of the National Assembly. Born in 1992, Ryu is known as one of the "National Assembly trio born in the 1990s," along with Jeon Yong-gi of the Democratic Party and Yong Hye-in of the Basic Income Party.

She is especially recognized as a young female politician who can raise the voices of young voters. Recently, when Choi Chang-hee, CEO of Gongyoung Home Shopping and former publicity advisor for Moon Jae-in's presidential campaign, called Ryu "hey" during a National Assembly audit, Ryu responded, "I thought, 'I'm not the boss's friend,'" rejecting the so-called "kkondae behavior" of the older generation who look down on younger or lower-ranking people.

Some supporters praised Ryu's choice of a dress and work clothes, saying, "As a first-term lawmaker, she chose a good promotional method," and "It was a way to stand out even during the audit."

Experts believe that while Ryu's approach is currently effective, excessive use could have adverse effects.

Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon said, "I think it can have the effect of changing the high-handed atmosphere of the National Assembly. Breaking the mold of conventional politics is necessary," but he also advised, "However, it shouldn't go too far in that direction."

Lee added, "Some criticize it as a 'show,' so it shouldn't turn into a 'political show.' What the public wants is not a change in appearance but fundamental change and a more sincere National Assembly. It may be effective a few times, but if it becomes routine, it could just be the birth of another 'show politics,'" he warned.