[In-Depth Look] The Meaning Behind Representative Ryu Ho-jeong's Pink Dress

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The attire of Ryu Ho-jeong, the youngest member of the 21st National Assembly from the Justice Party, has become the center of controversy. On the 4th, Representative Ryu attended the plenary session of the National Assembly wearing a one-piece dress. Some criticized this, saying it was "an outfit inappropriate for the National Assembly." On the other hand, many counterarguments stated, "There is no law regarding dress code in the National Assembly, so criticizing a member's attire itself is problematic."

This is not the first time there has been controversy over dress code in the National Assembly. Seventeen years ago, in 2003, on the day of the oath-taking ceremony in the plenary session, Yoo Si-min, chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, appeared wearing white cotton pants. The incident ended as a one-day event, but Yoo Si-min left a unique impression as a politician for many people. In some countries such as those in Europe, clothing is a matter of personal choice. Whether it carries a specific intention or is simply worn for comfort, the citizens there do not even pay attention to it.

Their interest usually lies in the fashion and attire of queens, crown princes, or famous actors and entertainers. Then why does Representative Ryu's attire cause such a ripple effect and become a central issue in the media in Korea? What does our society truly make of this? What should not be overlooked is that this is fueling conflict through a new polarization in our society.

A mature society is one that respects and embraces diverse opinions. In that regard, if Representative Ryu were in Europe, there would be no reason to criticize or target her attire. Conversely, the opinions of those who criticize her should not be condemned either. The comments from those accustomed to past education, social customs, and organizational culture are simply facts reflecting the views of the generation currently living.

Such reactions may be natural for those familiar with previous education and organizational culture. I also advise students to wear standardized interview attire that does not greatly deviate from the organizational culture of the company when applying for jobs. When conducting final interviews for the civil service exam, it is evident that interviewees’ clothing is generally standardized.

We should move toward a society that simply understands that attire varies depending on the era, organization, and generation. In that sense, Representative Ryu’s one-piece dress should not divide Korean society into camps or provoke intense reactions. The media, social organizations, academia, and political circles all need to break away from the black-and-white camp culture.

What is discussed today may change after reading a book tomorrow or through experiences encountered in a new environment. While ethical or moral standards may not change, various methodologies can be proposed and accepted by society. A polarized society that forces black or white has no room for creativity. There will always be "people you want to beat to death" in the world.

However, such actions are restrained by the normative customs of society. This is also why transformation does not happen overnight. In that regard, this controversy can be seen as a transitional period to gather the social majority’s opinions in a positive way. The conflicts and logic of camps in Korean society?between generations, genders, ruling and opposition parties, conservatives and progressives?are indeed serious.

Representative Ryu’s pink one-piece dress should not be used as a source to divide camps and fuel conflicts in Korean society. Her pink one-piece dress is simply the attire of a young generation worn for comfort. Even if the entire society cannot agree, at least a part of it should communicate, understand, and cooperate. From communication and understanding comes cooperative governance and reaching consensus. A Korean society that values communication and consensus over power and popularity is urgently needed. Additionally, it is hoped that Representative Ryu herself will be more devoted to her fundamental duties as a member of the National Assembly.

Kim Ik-seong, Professor at Dongduk Women’s University and Honorary President of the Korea Distribution Science Association

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