Inside Korea's Police Uniform Disaster: An Officer Speaks Out

When Uniforms Become a Battleground

An anonymous Korean police officer recently vented their frustration online about the ongoing police uniform redesign project, sparking widespread discussion about the controversial reform. The officer, who claims to be directly involved in the uniform reform process, didn't mince words: the project is a complete mess. Their post revealed shocking details about the 2025 police uniform redesign commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Korean National Police Agency. According to the officer, the design team lacks professional expertise, the project leadership is directionless, and the result looks more like outdoor gear or ski wear than professional police attire. The complaint has resonated with many officers who feel their voices have been ignored in this decade-long redesign cycle.

The Korean police have traditionally updated their uniforms every ten years, with the last major change occurring in 2016 when the current teal-colored uniform was introduced. This time around, the police partnered with Kookmin University's fashion design department to create new uniforms for the 80th anniversary celebration on October 21, 2025. However, when prototype images leaked online in July 2025, reactions were overwhelmingly negative. Officers and citizens alike criticized the designs as looking like factory worker uniforms or security guard outfits, lacking the authority and professionalism expected of law enforcement.

The Design Debacle and Missing Expertise

The frustrated officer's complaint centered on one critical issue: the complete absence of specialized knowledge in the design process. They questioned why the police would hire people with no expertise in police equipment and uniform design to lead such an important project. The officer specifically criticized the outdoor-inspired design direction, sarcastically asking whether they were asked to make police uniforms or hiking clothes. Their preferred solution was simple and direct: follow international standards with black uniforms clearly marked with POLICE insignia, similar to police forces in other countries.

According to reports from multiple Korean news outlets, the redesign project began in April 2024 when the Police Agency established a comprehensive uniform reform task force. The project involved research institutions and Kookmin University's design team, including two professional designers. However, internal surveys revealed a massive disconnect between what officers wanted and what designers delivered. A July 2024 internal survey of 44,573 officers showed that 65 percent preferred black uniforms, and a follow-up survey in June 2025 found approximately 70 percent agreeing that black best suited the police image. Despite this overwhelming preference, the design team presented prototypes in gray and purple tones, maintaining the controversial teal color scheme from 2016.

Community Reactions and Internal Backlash

The uniform controversy exploded across Korean online communities, with particularly strong reactions on platforms like Blind, where verified police officers shared their unfiltered opinions. Comments ranged from genuine concern to outright mockery. One officer wrote that previous uniforms looked respectable, but the new designs made officers look indistinguishable from factory workers. Another complained about the increasingly office-worker aesthetic, lamenting the loss of professional authority in police appearance. The criticism wasn't limited to internal channels. Korean news site Chosun Ilbo reported that when prototype photos circulated online, netizens called them outdated and unstylish.

However, not all feedback was negative. Some officers who attended demonstration events at provincial police agencies between July 24 and August 5, 2025, reported that the uniforms looked better in person than in photographs. One attendee noted that the design and colors seemed well-considered when viewed up close. At a citizen evaluation event held on August 11, 2025, at the Police Agency headquarters, participants expressed mixed but somewhat positive reactions. Several citizens appreciated that the notorious teal pigeon color might finally be replaced, though concerns about visibility and authority remained prevalent throughout discussions.

A Pattern of Ignoring Police Voices

Perhaps the most damning aspect of the controversy is the systematic exclusion of rank-and-file officers from meaningful decision-making. The Seoul Economic Daily reported that the reform process has dragged on for over a month with back-and-forth criticism, diverting attention from more pressing issues like police reform and community policing expansion. Officers feel that leadership announced the redesign as a done deal without genuine consultation. The online survey system currently being used to gather officer feedback has been criticized as lacking anonymity, making officers reluctant to share honest opinions for fear of repercussions.

This isn't the first time Korean police uniform changes have sparked controversy. When the current teal uniforms were introduced in 2016 after a decade-long gap, they initially received mixed reactions before officers gradually accepted them. The frustrated officer who started this conversation referenced the 2016 debacle, expressing hope that lessons would be learned, only to find the situation had worsened. The Police Agency has stated that the prototypes shown in July were just preliminary concepts and that final designs will incorporate feedback from officers and citizens alike. The final uniform design is scheduled to be unveiled on October 21, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Korean National Police Agency, but whether it will satisfy the officers who must wear it daily remains very much in question.