South Korea To Replace Stiff School Uniform With Comfortable Activewear
South Korea is moving away from stiff, expensive school uniforms. For decades, students wore formal attire that was often uncomfortable and placed a heavy financial burden on parents. President Lee Jae-myung recently labeled these high-priced clothes a “backbreaker” for families. Consequently, schools will now switch to “lifestyle” uniforms and comfortable tracksuits.
This reform changes how families receive support. Instead of receiving one fixed set of clothes, students will get cash or vouchers. This allows them to purchase exactly what they need, such as extra T-shirts or more durable pants. To keep costs low, the government is also setting new price limits on individual items. These measures are designed to reduce the economic pressure on households during difficult times.
Meanwhile, officials are cracking down on unfair business practices. Authorities are investigating major uniform brands for “price-fixing,” where companies secretly agree to raise, lower, or stabilize prices. The government is also inspecting private academies to make sure they are not overcharging for books or exams. Leaders emphasized that they will no longer tolerate schemes that make life harder for students. These steps aim to make education more affordable for everyone.
J.K. Park Senior Reporter junior/1774407305/1613367801
1. Why is South Korea replacing traditional school uniforms now?
2. What did President Lee call the high-priced school clothes?
3. How will families receive financial support for new uniforms?
4. What unfair business practices are authorities currently investigating?
1. Is comfortable activewear better than formal attire for learning?
2. Should schools set strict price limits on uniform items?
3. Does wearing the same uniform improve student equality overall?
4. How would you design a perfect uniform for your school?
South Korea is moving away from stiff, expensive school uniforms. For decades, students wore formal attire that was often uncomfortable and placed a heavy financial burden on parents. President Lee Jae-myung recently labeled these high-priced clothes a “backbreaker” for families. Consequently, schools will now switch to “lifestyle” uniforms and comfortable tracksuits.
