Controversy has erupted after a reflection letter written by a Yonsei University Dental School student for violating dress code regulations was publicly posted in a classroom.
According to reports, the reflection letter written by a student at the Yonsei University College of Dentistry stated, "With the complacent thought that the weather was hot, I came to school wearing shorts and violated the dress code," adding, "It was a disqualifying factor and a complacent attitude as a prospective medical professional."
The student also wrote, "I deeply reflect on violating the dress code due to my carelessness."
Currently, a notice titled "Student Attire Appropriate for Dental School Life" is posted on the undergraduate homepage of Yonsei University Dental School.
The notice recommends "dressing like a dental student," prohibiting shorts, short skirts, and slippers, while providing dress guidelines such as wearing socks that rise above the ankles.
It also includes instructions stating, "Do not step on the heels of your shoes."
As the incident became known, criticisms flooded the university's online community, with comments such as, "Even granting that slippers might pose a safety issue, publicly posting a reflection letter in the classroom for everyone to see is close to anachronistic collective bullying."
In response, Yonsei University Dental School explained that the measure was taken for educational purposes to guide students in developing the attitude required of prospective medical professionals, adding that they could discuss improving dress codes for non-practical classes with students moving forward.
Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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