Dress like dentistry students’: South Korean university’s dress code sparks backlash
Three dentistry students at Yonsei University in South Korea were asked to write formal apology letters after breaking the department's dress code. The students violated the rules on August 27. Their letters were later posted in lecture halls where other students could see them.
The dress code was published on the dentistry school's website in May 2025. It bans short skirts, shorts, and slippers and requires students to wear socks that cover their ankles. The rules apply to all dentistry students, including those who have not started practical training with patients.
The university said the dress code is meant to help students develop the behavior expected of future healthcare workers. The department explained that students should gradually become familiar with professional rules before they begin working with patients.
However, some students disagreed with the way the rules were enforced. They said the dress code was too strict and that displaying the apology letters publicly was excessive. Some students also questioned why the rules should apply to normal campus life instead of only during clinical training.
Students also criticized the rule because shorts are specifically banned for male students, while other comfortable clothing, such as pants and sneakers, is allowed. The university acknowledged the criticism and said it would discuss the rules with students and consider changing them in the future.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/dress-like-dentistry-students-south-korean-universitys-dress-code-sparks-backlash |
