Backlash Against 'Flight Attendant Uniform Lookbook' Video on YouTube
"I've Only Worked Proudly for 10 Years," Laments Worker
On the 2nd of last month, a "Flight Attendant Lookbook" (left) was uploaded on YouTube, and a Korean Air flight attendant's post on the anonymous workplace community "Blind" (right) / Photo by YouTube capture, Internet community capture
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] A Korean Air flight attendant expressed her feelings of being "hurt" over the so-called "flight attendant uniform lookbook," which sparked controversy over its sexual content. It has been pointed out that some netizens are sexually harassing flight attendants who must perform their duties with professionalism.
Flight attendant A, who works at Korean Air, posted on the anonymous workplace community "Blind" on the 14th, saying, "The videos and comments are very hurtful." Blind is a community that requires verification through a company email account to join. A is listed as affiliated with Korean Air.
She said, "I worked hard to get into Korean Air, which was my dream, and always did my best to serve each and every passenger, staying alert to ensure safety. I was always careful with my words and actions when wearing the uniform, fearing any damage to the company's image. Because unreasonable standards and all kinds of complaints were raised, I was even more cautious."
She continued, "A woman posted photos on Instagram wearing a uniform that anyone would associate with Korean Air, but in underwear and stockings," lamenting, "There were also sexually harassing comments like 'Now I can imagine flight attendants naked.'"
She added, "They posted sexual videos, but our company's flight attendants are the ones being harassed," expressing frustration, "I have only worked hard wearing my company uniform with pride for 10 years, so why do I have to endure such harassment?"
She confessed, "I feel scared and sad thinking about how people will look at me in uniform every time I board a plane and what kind of imaginations those who write such comments might have inside."
Earlier, on the 2nd of last month, YouTuber B posted a video titled "Flight Attendant Lookbook / Airline Uniform + Compression Stockings Coordination" on their YouTube channel.
A lookbook is a booklet created to convey information about brand clothing. However, recently on YouTube, the term lookbook refers to content where YouTubers appear in videos wearing specific outfits themselves.
The problem lies in some YouTubers producing overly revealing or excessively sexualized videos to increase views. In particular, the outfit worn by B in the video was pointed out to be very similar to the Korean Air flight attendant uniform. Some criticized this as the "sexual commodification" of a specific profession.
As the controversy grew, Korean Air requested B to delete the problematic video. They also stated they are considering legal action against B in the future.
Meanwhile, on the 15th, B posted a notice on their YouTube channel saying, "Thank you for your interest in the video," but also stated, "My video was captured without permission and posted with malicious titles and content on certain communities. Thousands of malicious comments containing sexually humiliating and insulting expressions were written."
B added, "Unable to stand by as the damage grows, I sought legal review and advice," and "Many of the thousands of comments posted may constitute defamation under criminal law, so we are proceeding with legal measures."
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