Ahead of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, international media outlets are taking a closer look at the Olympic uniforms to be worn by the South Korean athletes, as they are functional, comfortable and look great, all at the same time.

CNN wrote about the Korean Olympic uniforms on Aug. 1 in an article titled “Team Korea wears shield against Zika.”





CNN reporter Paula Hancocks said that, “Korea designed special uniforms with built-in mosquito repellant in order to protect its athletes.”

She explained that the uniforms were originally designed with short sleeves and shorts, but were later changed to have long sleeves and pants due to the rising concerns about the Zika virus.

“The Zika-resistant part of these uniforms is apparently top secret,” said the reporter.

“Once these uniforms are finished, then they are shifted off to an unnamed company where they coat the uniforms with an insect repellent chemical,” said Hancocks, adding that, “We’ve been told that it has been tested with mosquitoes, and that it works.”

The CNN reporter also spoke to the designer of the uniforms, Kim Soo-jung, who was aiming for protection, comfort and something "truly Korean." In the interview, Kim said that she hoped to make uniforms that are functional and comfortable, as well as classy and stylish.





Forbes has also noticed the official Korean Olympic uniforms, selecting the South Korean outfits as one of its “Most Stylish Uniforms from the Rio Games,” in a story dated May 30. The magazine said, “With navy blazers, stark white trousers and striped socks to accent the deep blue boat shoes, Team South Korea is ready to join the Americans poolside at the country club.”

The Forbes article said that Korean athletes’ uniforms, “were made with the Zika repellent within the fabric to prevent any possibility of the virus affecting the athletes.”

Forbes writer Stephan Rabimov concluded by saying that, “Several other countries are expected to follow the anti-virus uniform manufacturing trend. Health is a universal priority.”

By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: CNN, Forbes Homepage
arete@korea.kr