Choi Dong-seok, head of the Personnel Innovation Agency, explained on October 7 that the decision to require candidates wearing formal shoes to use shoe covers during civil service interviews was made to prevent discomfort to others.
During a National Assembly audit of the agency, Democratic Party lawmaker Yoon Geon-young raised concerns about the dress code guidelines, to which Choi responded, "There is a clear stance from the hiring department regarding the shoe cover issue, which I allowed."
Starting this month, the agency has implemented new guidelines for civil service interview candidates, advising against formal attire and prohibiting ties and formal shoes. If candidates must wear formal clothing, they are instructed to remove their ties and wear shoe covers over their formal shoes.
The agency noted that despite repeated recommendations for casual attire, many candidates still arrive in formal wear, prompting the need for stricter guidelines. Choi stated, "Most candidates are still showing up in formal attire despite the recommendation for casual interview clothing, creating an unnatural atmosphere and causing disruptions due to the noise of shoes on the floor during the exam."
In response, Yoon acknowledged the rationale for simplifying interview attire but criticized the idea of requiring shoe covers for candidates who arrive in formal shoes, calling it problematic and likening it to a comedic situation.
Choi cited female candidates as an example, saying, "They come in formal attire with high heels, and the interview venue is not carpeted nor equipped with noise mitigation measures. It would be better if candidates came in casual clothing to avoid disturbing others during the interview."
When Yoon suggested that the agency should simply encourage candidates to dress comfortably, Choi countered, "We have encouraged this, but candidates continue to wear formal shoes, causing discomfort to others. This is an examination setting, and some people appreciate the shoe cover requirement to avoid disturbing others."
Yoon responded, "The notion that high heels cause discomfort to others is truly beyond common sense. Are we saying that high heels are not allowed in the examination room?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.