One-piece and Back-cut Dresses... 'Bold Outfit' Ryu Ho-jeong "To Show the Beauty of Tattoos"

Ryu Ho-jeong "I Have Worn Clothes Symbolizing the People I Represent"
"Always Ready to Wear Them If It Makes News"
Previously Gained Attention by Wearing a 'Pink Dress' to the National Assembly

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, held a press conference on the 16th at the National Assembly urging the enactment of tattoo legislation together with tattoo artists. On that day, Rep. Ryu conducted the press conference with a tattoo sticker drawn by the famous tattoo artist Bami attached to her back. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker who attended a press conference wearing a purple dress with an open back to urge the enactment of the so-called 'Tattoo Industry Act,' explained the reason for choosing her outfit. Ryu, who drew public attention with this dress, had previously sparked a 'dress code controversy' by appearing at the National Assembly in a pink one-piece dress.

In an interview on the 18th with YTN Radio's 'Hwang Boseon's Start of the New Morning,' Ryu explained the reason for choosing the open-back dress, saying, "I thought it was the most definite way to show how cool and beautiful tattoos are."

Regarding the choice of purple for the dress color, she replied, "Purple is often worn in feminism, and I usually use purple a lot as well."

She continued, "During the last national audit, I wore the clothes of worker Kim Yong-gyun, and when urging the enactment of the Serious Accident Corporate Punishment Act, I wore a safety helmet and picketed," adding, "If wearing clothes that symbolize the people I represent becomes news, I am always ready to wear them again."

Assemblyman Ryu holding a press conference / Photo by Yonhap News

Ryu said, "There are many prejudices about tattoos, so I hoped that lawmakers from various parties would support the Tattoo Industry Act, but I found that there are more people with eyebrow tattoos than I thought," adding, "I contacted lawmaker Hong Joon-pyo, and he smiled and said he would review the bill."

Earlier, on the 16th, Ryu appeared on the lawn in front of the National Assembly main building wearing a purple dress with an open back. At the press conference held with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions Tattoo Union that day, Ryu pointed out, "Tattoos, which can be easily found on the streets, are still illegal," and criticized, "The closed mindset of Supreme Court justices from 30 years ago is too outdated to be the standard of the Republic of Korea in 2021."

Urging the enactment of the 'Tattoo Industry Act' she proposed, Ryu emphasized, "If the bill passes, all tattoos, including semi-permanent makeup, will fall within the legal domain," and added, "Tattoos are a person's appearance. They are essentially the same as hair, makeup, fashion, and fitness."

Meanwhile, Ryu has previously showcased 'bold outfits.' She attracted attention by wearing a pink dress during the National Assembly plenary session on August 4 last year.

Representative Ryu is briefly leaving the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of August 4 last year. / Photo by Yonhap News

At that time, some criticized Ryu's attire as "not fitting for the National Assembly." Some netizens poured out criticism such as, "Lawmakers are public figures and must observe proper etiquette," and "It lowers the dignity of the National Assembly."

On the other hand, other netizens defended Ryu, saying, "Is there a set dress code for the National Assembly?" and "This kind of controversy itself is outdated."

Some female lawmakers also expressed support for Ryu. At that time, Democratic Party lawmaker Go Min-jung encouraged her, saying, "I cannot agree with the excessive criticism she (Ryu) received for her outfit," and "She awakened the National Assembly's excessive solemnity and authoritarianism."

In a radio interview at the time, Ryu explained her reason for wearing the one-piece dress, saying, "I wanted to break the National Assembly's tradition centered on middle-aged people in their 50s," and "I do not think the authority of the National Assembly is established by suits."

She also rhetorically asked, "Even without the attire, can the National Assembly, filled with middle-aged men in their 50s, truly represent the citizens?"