"Female Test-Takers' High Heels Cause Noise Disturbance" ... Even Ruling Party Lawmakers Call It "Nonsensical"

[Anchor]

At the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's parliamentary audit, remarks made by Minister of Personnel Management Choi Dong-seok regarding the dress code for civil service interview candidates sparked controversy. Even ruling party lawmakers criticized Choi's argument that candidates should wear shoe covers because the clacking of formal footwear, including high heels, disrupts exams, calling it nonsensical.

Son Hyeong-an reports.

[Reporter]

Minister of Personnel Management Choi Dong-seok previously drew scrutiny over remarks made prior to taking office.

On September 10, the Ministry of Personnel Management he leads announced that candidates should refrain from wearing suits during civil service interviews, stating that ties and formal shoes are prohibited, and uploaded a notice featuring example photos of acceptable attire.

[Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "Making people wear shoe covers just because they wore a suit or dress shoes to an interview—isn't there something wrong with this thinking? It's turning into a comedy."]

[Choi Dong-seok / Minister of Personnel Management: "When female examinees show up wearing full makeup, business suits, and pointed high heels, it's not like the venue is carpeted or has noise-dampening measures."]

Choi's remarks drew audible sighs from lawmakers throughout the room.

["So women shouldn't wear dress shoes?"]

[Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "The idea that high heels cause discomfort to others truly defies common sense."]

[Choi Dong-seok / Minister of Personnel Management: "I'm telling you, it's an exam room. An exam room."]

[Yoon Kun-young / Democratic Party Lawmaker: "Are people not allowed to wear high heels to an exam room?"]

[Choi Dong-seok / Minister of Personnel Management: "I'm saying they can wear them, then."]

[Jeong Chun-saeng / Rebuilding Korea Party Lawmaker: "What does female applicants wearing full makeup have to do with evaluating public servant competence? I believe this statement reflects an extremely inappropriate perception coming from a minister."]

Choi claimed the dress guidelines were not introduced for the first time this year, but after lawmakers pointed out this was untrue, he belatedly corrected his testimony, admitting he had "answered incorrectly."

Choi also belatedly apologized for his comments concerning female applicants wearing "full makeup," acknowledging they were "inappropriate."

(Video by Lee Seung-hwan and Shin Dong-hwan | Video Editing by Oh Young-taek)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.