Photo of flight attendant blocking Korean plane door goes viral on social media

Photos of a flight attendant wearing a tight dress and blocking an emergency exit on an Asiana Airlines plane have prompted social media users to call for the airline to change its uniform regulations.

On May 28, South Korean news site News1 published a photo of a female flight attendant blocking an open emergency exit door on an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321 during an incident at Daegu airport two days earlier.

"The flight attendant clung to the aircraft cabin, blocking the door that the 33-year-old man had previously opened. She was doing everything she could to ensure no further damage occurred while the plane was slowing down. The safety barrier had been erected, but the flight attendant was still struggling to use her body to block the door," the South Korean news outlet reported.

The photo went viral on South Korean social media, with many praising the flight attendant's bravery. "I know she's trained for situations like this, but this must have been terrifying for a flight attendant," one person wrote.

A female flight attendant blocks the emergency exit door of an Asiana Airlines plane during the incident on May 26. Photo: News1 — A female flight attendant blocks the emergency exit door of an Asiana Airlines plane during the incident on May 26. Photo: *News1*

Many people also expressed anger and demanded that Asiana Airlines change its uniform regulations for female flight attendants.

"I feel comfortable wearing a skirt, but that's because I don't have to be ready to react to dangerous situations. In critical moments, pants are always better than skirts, allowing for quicker and more flexible movement. We're talking about appropriate attire for those responsible for passengers' lives," one person wrote.

In 2013, Asiana Airlines allowed female flight attendants to wear uniform trousers, but most did not apply for them due to concerns that "wearing different attire would lead to negative evaluations of their work and loss of opportunities for advancement." JTBC television reported in 2018 that airline management pressured female flight attendants to choose tight-fitting skirts and high heels as part of their uniforms.

"The pants were so uncomfortable to wear that the flight attendants decided to opt for skirts instead. The airline's proposal wasn't enough. We want them to provide comfortable, stretchy pants that aren't see-through. The airline industry needs to start thinking about how to produce comfortable uniforms for its flight attendants," another person said.

"It's heartbreaking to see her risking her life to handle the situation while wearing a tight dress and high heels. This outfit puts the lives of both the flight attendant and the passengers at risk," a user commented under News1 's article.

An Asiana Airlines flight attendant at San Francisco airport in 2012. Photo: Flickriver — An Asiana Airlines flight attendant at San Francisco airport in 2012. Photo: *Flickriver*

A 33-year-old male passenger surnamed Lee opened an emergency exit door on an Asiana Airlines Airbus A321 at an altitude of approximately 200 meters as the plane was landing at Daegu Airport in South Korea on May 26. None of the 194 passengers were injured, but nine were hospitalized due to breathing difficulties and have since been discharged.

During questioning, Lee said he opened the plane door because he "felt stuffy" and wanted to get off quickly. He also said he was "under a lot of pressure because he had just lost his job."

Vu Anh (According to News1 )

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