Yonsei Dental Students Forced to Write Apology Letters for Wearing Shorts Sparks Controversy

Handwritten apology letters written by Yonsei University dental students for failing to follow dress codes have been posted in classrooms, sparking controversy.

According to media reports on September 21, an apology letter written by a Yonsei dental student included statements such as, "I deeply reflect on violating the dress code due to my carelessness," "Proper attire is the most basic qualification an medical professional should have, but driven by the complacent thought that the weather was hot and a desire for comfort, I wore shorts to school, forgetting my duty and regulations as a dental student," and "This is a major disqualifying factor and shameful attitude as a prospective medical professional."

Other apology letters similarly contained reflections on failing to comply with the dress code simply because of the hot weather.

The dress code they violated is titled "Student Attire Appropriate for Dental School Life," which is posted on the undergraduate notice board of the Yonsei University College of Dentistry.

The notice states, "We encourage Yonsei dental students, who are growing into competent and trusted pride-worthy dentists, to 'dress like dental students,'" adding, "Do not wear short skirts, shorts, slippers, or excessively revealing clothing."

It also includes guidelines stating, "Wear shoes that cover the top of the foot while wearing socks that reach above the ankles, and do not fold down or step on the backs of shoes."

Furthermore, it requested, "Please comply with the dress code guidelines so that not only clinic-level students dealing with patients, but also students in pre-clinical stages can gradually learn."

In response, some critics pointed out that operating excessively strict dress codes in an educational setting is unreasonable, and reacting by publicly posting the apology letters is an overreaction.

Reactions on the Yonsei online community included comments such as, "Even if we make a hundred concessions and say slippers pose safety issues, making the apology letters public is too much," "Writing apology letters might be understandable, but making them public to everyone is a backward idea," and "Posting the apology letters in the classroom is sickening. Is this what group bullying looks like?"

Regarding the matter, the Yonsei College of Dentistry stated, "This measure was taken as an educational step regarding the attitude prospective medical professionals should possess," adding, "We are open to having an open dialogue with students regarding potential improvements to the dress code for non-clinical settings moving forward."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.