One Piece, Back Tattoos, Overalls... Ryu Ho-jeong's Unconventional Moves in the National Assembly

Ryu Ho-jeong Arrives at National Assembly with Tattoos and Casual Attire
Leading Key Issues like 'Tattoo Industry Act' and 'Serious Accident Punishment Act'
Experts Say "De-authoritarianization, De-privilege... It's Time for Politics to Change"

On the 16th, Representative Ryu Ho-jeong (left) performed a demonstration urging the enactment of the Tattoo Industry Act at the National Assembly, and on the 23rd, she attended the plenary session of the National Assembly. / Photo by Office of Representative Ryu Ho-jeong, Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Ryu Hojung, a Justice Party lawmaker, is drawing attention for her unique actions in the National Assembly. She has showcased dress performances revealing tattoos to advocate for tattoo legalization, and appeared in casual attire in the National Assembly where suits are the norm, breaking the conventional scene.

While some view it as a "political show," many positively evaluate that she is "breathing new life into the rigid National Assembly." A political commentator praised Ryu's political moves but advised that it should not remain merely a performance.

On the afternoon of the 23rd, Ryu attracted attention by attending the plenary session of the National Assembly wearing yellow T-shirts, the symbolic color of the Justice Party, paired with denim overalls.

Regarding this, Ryu explained to a media outlet, "I understand that overalls originated as workers' uniforms," and "I often wear them because they are comfortable for activities. There is no special meaning behind it." Some netizens responded with comments like "She looks similar to the main character from the animation 'Minions'," and "Sometimes comfortable attire instead of suits is not bad."

Meanwhile, on the 16th, Ryu attended a press conference held on the lawn in front of the National Assembly wearing a purple dress with an open back to promote the enactment of the Tattoo Industry Act. On that day, she also performed a demonstration by directly applying tattoo stickers on her back, which became a major topic.

Ryu stated, "I created an unfamiliar scene within the National Assembly premises. Some scold me saying, 'Being a lawmaker is not for doing such things,' but I believe that is exactly why lawmakers exist." She emphasized, "The role of lawmaker Ryu Hojung is to be a speaker representing the voices of citizens oppressed by social and cultural prejudices, and a punching bag that endures the reflected criticism and blame."

The Tattoo Industry Act, which Ryu sponsored, aims to legalize tattoo procedures performed by non-medical personnel currently deemed illegal, and sets regulations on tattoo artists' licenses and scope of work, hygiene management obligations for tattoo businesses, and government supervision. Like Ryu's performance that changed the scene of the National Assembly, this legislation seeks to change laws and social prejudices that do not align with reality.

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, is leaving the plenary session held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, last August. Photo by Yonhap News

This is not the first time Ryu appeared in the National Assembly in attire other than a suit. In August last year, she attracted attention by wearing a pink polka-dot dress in the plenary session, marking the first time her outfit became a topic. Additionally, she has appeared in various outfits such as jumpsuits, shorts, and denim-on-denim fashion, drawing attention.

In October last year, Ryu staged a solo protest dressed in the work clothes of the late Kim Yonggyun, who died from an industrial accident, in front of President Moon Jaein during the 2021 budget speech at the National Assembly.

On that day, Ryu urged President Moon not to forget the enactment of the "Serious Accidents Punishment Act," which punishes companies and responsible persons for serious industrial accidents. The Serious Accidents Punishment Act passed the National Assembly on January 8 and will be enforced from January next year for workplaces with 50 or more employees.

Ryu Ho-jeong, a Justice Party lawmaker, is holding a one-person protest in front of the National Assembly main building in October last year, urging the enactment of the Serious Accidents Punishment Act. / Photo by Yonhap News

Citizens responded favorably to Ryu's actions. Huh, a worker in their 20s, said, "It is a unique move that breaks away from the frustrating customs of the National Assembly," and added, "Above all, it seems good that people become interested in social and political issues or laws that need to change and that actual changes are taking place."

On the other hand, some view Ryu's casual attire as inappropriate for the National Assembly. Some netizens commented, "Is the National Assembly a fashion show?" "The attire does not match the dignity of a lawmaker," and "The National Assembly is not a playground."

Experts positively evaluated Ryu's political moves but advised that it should not remain just a performance. Political commentator Lee Jonghoon said, "Ryu's attempts have more positive than negative aspects. As seen in the 'Lee Junseok phenomenon,' politics must change. It is time to let go of authoritarianism and vested interests." He added, "From that perspective, breaking the overly authoritarian customs of the National Assembly has a positive effect. However, it cannot receive support if it remains only a performance. It is important to institutionally improve and demonstrate policy culture in practice."

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