Chungam High School Implements Dress Code Flexibility Amid Protests

Chungam High School, the alma mater of President Yoon Suk-yeol, has announced a temporary relaxation of its dress code for students. On December 6, the school published a notice on its website stating that this measure aims to prevent students from facing unfair treatment from angry citizens during their commutes. Starting December 9 and continuing until the graduation ceremony on February 6, 2024, students will be allowed to wear casual clothing instead of their uniforms. However, the school emphasized that any attire deemed inappropriate, such as sexually suggestive or anti-social designs, is strictly prohibited.

In addition to the dress code changes, the notice included guidelines for student safety. Chungam High School advised students to remain calm if they encounter unfair treatment and to report any threats to their safety immediately to the school or local police, while also documenting the situation with their mobile phones.

The decision comes in the wake of public outcry following President Yoon's declaration of martial law on December 3, which has led to increased scrutiny of the school, as several key figures involved, including Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun, are alumni. Yoon Myung-hwa, the chairperson of Chungam Academy, expressed her discontent on social media, stating that she would like to label Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Yong-hyun as 'shameful graduates' for tarnishing the school's reputation and national dignity.