Suwon, Gyeonggi Province — Lim Tae-hee, a preliminary candidate for the Gyeonggi Provincial Superintendent of Education, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to alleviate the financial burden on parents by reforming the current school uniform support system. The proposal focuses on expanding school autonomy regarding student attire and providing direct financial assistance for casual clothing.

On May 1, candidate Lim announced his "Cracking Down on Education Inflation" initiative, citing the reduction of school uniform costs as his top priority. The core of the pledge is to move away from the rigid system of providing formal, suit-style uniforms and instead allow school communities—consisting of students, parents, and teachers—to independently decide on their dress codes, whether they be traditional uniforms, casual activity wear, or complete free-dress policies.

According to data released by Lim’s camp, as of 2025, approximately 79.2% of middle and high schools in Gyeonggi Province (932 schools) already operate under a "hybrid system" that mixes formal uniforms with more comfortable, casual options. However, criticism has persisted that the current in-kind support system—valued at roughly 400,000 won—often forces students to receive items they rarely wear, while still requiring parents to spend extra money on the clothes students actually use daily. Surveys indicate that 28% of residents and students view the current uniform prices as excessively high.

To address these inefficiencies, Lim plans to amend relevant ordinances and the principles of in-kind support. Most notably, for schools that choose not to adopt any official group uniform (including gym or activity wear), Lim pledged to provide a 400,000 won subsidy per student specifically for purchasing everyday casual clothes.

"Administrative constraints, such as outdated ordinances, should not block the autonomous evolution of our schools," Lim stated. "The core of 'Gyeonggi Future Education' is for the school to decide and for the Office of Education to provide the policy and budgetary support."

The candidate highlighted successful examples of school autonomy, such as Jeongbal High School in Goyang and Dongtan Middle School in Hwaseong. Jeongbal High School transitioned to a full free-dress policy after gaining consent from over 80% of students and teachers. Concerns regarding brand-name competition among students were successfully managed through student-led "life agreements."

Meanwhile, Dongtan Middle School adopted a "non-formal" uniform system featuring hoodies and sweatshirts branded as 'DTMS' (an abbreviation of the school's name), which were designed by the students themselves. This initiative received a 78% approval rating from the school community, as it reduced additional costs for parents while fostering a unique school identity.

Lim concluded by emphasizing his commitment to consumer-oriented policies. "By shifting to a customized autonomous uniform policy, we will significantly lower the cost of education and provide practical relief to household budgets," he added.

As the election approaches, this pledge is expected to resonate with parents struggling with rising living costs, signaling a potential shift in how student welfare and school autonomy are balanced in South Korea's most populous province.

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