“Really free-spirited”... J.Y. Park appears at parliamentary audit wearing a ‘see-through’ top

[Financial News] J.Y. Park, co-chair of the Popular Culture Exchange Committee, has drawn attention for the ‘see-through’ top he wore while appearing as a witness at a National Assembly audit.
“Because it’s J.Y. Park...
On the 7th, Park appeared as a witness at the National Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee’s audit of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. He drew attention by wearing a brown turtleneck made of sheer fabric under a gray-toned jacket.
Kang Seong-pil, a former deputy spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), appeared on MBN’s News Wide that day and said, “The National Assembly is a conservative place. I’ve never seen anything like it before. It is a little awkward.” He added, “Even so, I think it’s okay because it’s Park. There’s no problem because it’s Park, but it was unconventional.”
By contrast, Cho Yong-sul, a spokesperson for the People Power Party, criticized the outfit, saying, “It didn’t quite fit his position.”
Online reactions were also divided.
Some online users voiced support, with comments such as “Really free-spirited,” “Amazing. I wonder where that kind of courage comes from,” and “It’s freedom of expression.” Others said, “It’s also important to dress appropriately for the occasion,” “I respect freedom in fashion, but it’s a shame—an outfit suited to the place and purpose might have been better,” and “This is a national audit. One should observe some decorum.”
This is not the first time Park’s bold fashion has made headlines. He has sported vinyl pants and fishnet outfits on stage, and in 2003 he drew attention by appearing in a fishnet shirt and leather pants at the ‘Next-Generation Growth Engine Briefing’ held at the Blue House.
Meanwhile, at the audit that day, Park addressed various allegations surrounding the global K-pop festival ‘Paenomenon.’
Responding to criticism that it was a form of promotion for the administration, he emphasized, “Even if someone two levels above the president came—not the president himself—I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t think it was for the good of our country. I’m not the type to be intimidated just because someone tells me to do something.”
He added, “If this (Paenomenon) goes well, it will be really good for our country. It’s a precious opportunity that our sons, daughters, nieces and nephews can all benefit from. Please trust me.” He continued, “I’m absolutely not someone who would do this for some president or for the DPK. I’ve never even thought that way.”
In response to criticism that JYP Entertainment, which Park is affiliated with, had filed applications to exclusively register Paenomenon trademarks overseas, he said, “I think we resorted to various methods because we were worried someone might take this (trademark) away and were genuinely trying to do this well, at least in terms of our intentions. I think it was not a normal approach.” He added, “Still, it’s very rewarding. I did spend quite a lot of (personal) money,” and emphasized, “The trademark will not end up staying with our company (JYP Entertainment).”
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