Jo Jung Suk‘s latest film, Pilot, opened to high expectations as the Korean adaptation of the 2012 Swedish original, Cockpit. The film features Jo in dual roles as both male and female pilots, Jung Woo and Jung Mi. While Pilot was initially met with positive reviews as a family-friendly comedy, it unexpectedly sparked heated discussions about gender equality. The comedy follows the story of a pilot who accidentally takes on a new identity after losing his job.
Following the premiere, audiences praised the film for its comedic elements and family-friendly nature. A critic from CINE21 magazine also left a positive review, tweeting that it is “a movie sharing the most ideal message” about the direction Korea should take amid the nation’s gender conflict.
The critic wrote, “Korea has a long way to go regarding gender equality, but I think Pilot makes a good start. It shows viewers how complimenting women by calling them a bouquet of flowers can be considered sexist. It also kindly explains that losing a job over sexist remarks is not something to complain about but to acknowledge and apologize for. Although the film seeks to convey deeper themes, such as the importance of not being self-centered and avoiding living a shameless life, some issues that deserved more attention were not fully explored, which might leave some viewers feeling disappointed. However, this movie fundamentally delivers a very ideal message.”
<파일럿>… 한국 사회 갈 길이 멀지만 여기서부터 시작하자는 듯 정말 쉽게 떠먹여준다 여자들한테 예쁘다 꽃다발이다 지껄이는 게 왜 성차별인지 저런 말 했다고 회사 짤리는 건 과도하지 않냐며 억울해할 일 아니고 닥치고 사과해야할 일이라고 정확히 꼬집어서 매우 친절히 보여준다
— 임수연 IM Sooyeon (@vagabond_sy) July 28, 2024
However, the film sparked controversy, particularly among certain male-driven online communities in Korea. Following its premiere, some claimed that the film unfairly targets men and promotes a “misandry agenda.” They argued that complimenting a woman is not inherently sexist and that the movie unfairly stereotypes men as potential harassers.
The backlash even extended to negative reviews on rating platforms, with some commenting, “This movie pushes a misandry agenda. It was terrible. It wasn’t even good, and it seemed like it was trying to drive a wedge between men and women”, “The plot makes men uncomfortable, painting all men as potential sexual harassers. No airline would fire a pilot for complimenting a female flight attendant’s appearance at a company dinner. I understand what the female director was trying to do, but I bet she won’t get married, have children or date a man.”
Despite the controversy, many moviegoers have rallied to support Pilot, praising its comedic value and the steps it takes toward addressing gender issues in Korea. Dubbing it the “Barbie of Korea,” many Koreans appreciate Pilot for taking “first steps” toward social reform, highlighting its ability to address serious issues light-heartedly while still providing ample entertainment.
>> ‘Pilot’ Takes Off With Jo Jung Suk’s Daring Gender-Bending Role
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Amazing effort