South Korean lawmaker’s red dress stirs debate about sexism and male-dominated politics

Ryu Ho-jeong, 28, became a target of misogynistic abuse but also drew support from other lawmakers for her willingness to challenge patriarchal culture

‘The time will come when this society will accept women wearing comfortable clothes no matter what workplace,’ she said

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Ryu Ho-jeong said: ‘What I am currently going through is what other women are also undergoing at their own workplace.’ Photo: Handout

Published: 1:30pm, 7 Aug 2020Updated: 9:04pm, 7 Aug 2020

A South Korean lawmaker who wore a short red dress to parliament has become a target of misogynistic abuse online, prompting debate about sexism and the country’s patriarchal taboos.

Photos of Ryu Ho-jeong, 28, walking down an aisle during a plenary parliamentary session Tuesday in a red wrap dress appeared online. Ryu, who is a member of the progressive minor Justice Party and the country’s youngest lawmaker, drew criticism online but also support for her willingness to challenge an outdated norm.

One Facebook poster asked: “Is this a bar hostess who came to parliament to collect overdue charges for drinks?” Another asked: “Are you doing an escort service?”

Ryu, 28, is a member of the progressive minor Justice Party and the country’s youngest lawmaker. Photo: Newsis

Other lawmakers came to her defence.

“We express strong regrets over online attacks against Representative Ryu as they represent sexual discrimination against women,” the Justice Party said in a statement.

South Korean lawmaker’s red dress stirs debate about sexism and male-dominated politics

Ryu Ho-jeong, 28, became a target of misogynistic abuse but also drew support from other lawmakers for her willingness to challenge patriarchal culture ‘The time will come when this society will accept women wearing comfortable clothes no matter what workplace,’ she said

Ryu Ho-jeong, 28, became a target of misogynistic abuse but also drew support from other lawmakers for her willingness to challenge patriarchal culture

‘The time will come when this society will accept women wearing comfortable clothes no matter what workplace,’ she said