Ryu Ho-jeong Returns to the National Assembly Wearing That 'Pink Dress' Again

Attended Last Month's National Assembly Plenary Session Wearing the Same One-Piece Dress
Controversy Over 'National Assembly Attire' Erupts on SNS and Online Communities

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is attending the government questioning session on diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 15th. / Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] On the 15th, Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker, attended the National Assembly plenary session wearing a pink dress. Earlier, last month, Ryu also wore the same outfit to the plenary session, sparking a 'National Assembly attire controversy.' At that time, Ryu refuted claims from some quarters that her attire was inappropriate for the venue, stating, "I do not think the authority of the National Assembly is established by suits."

On the 15th, Ryu attended the National Assembly plenary session, where questions on foreign affairs, unification, and security were held, wearing a wrap-type dress mixed with pink, blue, and white colors.

In an interview with a media outlet that day, she emphasized, "In the past, there might have been talks about whether such attire should be referred to the Ethics Committee, but now it is 2020," adding, "This kind of clothing can be worn anytime."

She also mentioned, "I decided to donate the dress to a media company bazaar," and added, "It's a pity because I haven't worn it many times."

Previously, on the 4th of last month, Ryu attended the National Assembly plenary session wearing the same outfit. Her choice of attire is interpreted as an intention to break the National Assembly dress code tradition symbolized by suits and ties.

Ryu Ho-jeong, a member of the Justice Party, is briefly leaving the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 4th of last month. / Photo by Yonhap News

At that time, some internet communities and social networking services (SNS) sparked controversy over Ryu's attire. In the National Assembly, where most lawmakers wear suits, some argued that wearing a dress was too casual.

One netizen pointed out, "Lawmakers are public figures, and public figures must observe proper etiquette," adding, "It is inappropriate as it lowers the dignity of the National Assembly." On the other hand, some defended Ryu, saying, "Is there a set dress code in the National Assembly?" and "The controversy itself is outdated."

Some internet communities even made sexually harassing remarks targeting Ryu. As the controversy spread, female lawmakers encouraged and voiced support and solidarity for Ryu.

At that time, Sim Sangjung, leader of the Justice Party, wrote on her Facebook, "Our party's lawmaker Ryu had a tough day. It's a morning when I suddenly want to wear a dress." Democratic Party lawmaker Go Minjung encouraged her by saying, "I cannot agree with the excessive criticism she received for her clothing," and "I am grateful that she broke the excessive solemnity and authoritarianism of the National Assembly."

In a radio interview at that time, Ryu said, "I wanted to break the National Assembly customs centered on middle-aged people in their 50s," and questioned, "I do not think the authority of the National Assembly is established by suits. Even without the attire, is the National Assembly, filled with middle-aged men in their 50s, truly representing the citizens?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.