Education Minister Choi Kyung-jin recently took to Facebook to discuss the ongoing debate regarding school uniforms, particularly in light of President Yoon's remarks about the high cost of these uniforms. He suggested that there should be a reevaluation of the need for formal school uniforms, which can be uncomfortable for students who spend the entire day in them. Choi noted that many students prefer wearing casual clothing instead due to discomfort. The Minister recognized that while formal uniforms carry symbolic significance, there is a growing need for practicality and efficiency in school attire.

The Minister's comments were prompted by President Yoon's statement during a recent senior staff meeting, where he highlighted the financial burden that expensive school uniforms can place on families, referring to the term 'backbone breaker' to describe the financial strain. President Yoon requested a review of the appropriateness of uniform pricing as the new school year approaches. Since 2015, a regulated system for school uniform purchases has been in place, intended to stabilize pricing, where schools select vendors through a bidding process and manage costs in accordance with established limits set by educational authorities.

However, this system has not been without its drawbacks. Reports indicate that vendors may collude to inflate prices in response to subsidies provided to schools, undermining the intended stability. The rising variety of uniform styles, including formal wear, physical education attire, and casual clothing options, has added to the overall financial burden on families, who are often compelled to purchase multiple sets. The trend towards more acceptable and comfortable clothing options highlights the evolving attitudes toward school attire as experts and regulators seek to balance symbolic, practical, and economic considerations in school uniform policies.