Kim Sook's Airshow Obsession: Passion Meets Controversy
On a recent episode of KBS2's reality show The Boss Has Donkey Ears, comedian Kim Sook surprised viewers by revealing her unexpected passion—not just for camping, but for airshows. Notably, she even flew all the way to Australia just to attend the famed Avalon Airshow. For many Americans, that might sound excessive—but for Kim, it’s a deeply personal and joyful pursuit.
The Allure of Airshows
Airshows are large-scale aviation events where skilled pilots display breathtaking aerial maneuvers using both military and civilian aircraft. From solo acrobatics and synchronized flying to high-speed jet passes, these shows are pure adrenaline—from both a technical and visual standpoint. To fans like Kim Sook, it’s more than just entertainment; it’s art in motion.
Airshows also serve broader purposes beyond spectacle. For the aviation industry, they’re platforms for marketing new aircraft technologies, attracting investors, and engaging future engineers and pilots. They bring innovation down to earth—literally—and ignite curiosity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields among younger audiences.
Economic and Cultural Value
On a local level, airshows can significantly boost tourism and small business revenues. The Avalon Airshow in Australia, which Kim visited, attracts thousands of attendees annually, generating millions of dollars for the surrounding region. In the U.S., events like the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin do the same. Hotels, restaurants, and vendors thrive during airshow weekends.
From a cultural standpoint, Kim's enthusiasm reflects a broader shift: people seeking meaningful experiences through niche hobbies rather than traditional luxury. Once considered the domain of aviation geeks or veterans, airshows are gaining new fans thanks to increased exposure on TV, social media, and online fan communities.
The Shadows Behind the Thrill
Despite the glamour, airshows raise serious concerns—especially when considered through the lens of environmental sustainability. Aircraft used during airshows consume vast amounts of jet fuel and emit high levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. For many climate-conscious individuals, this environmental cost is hard to justify.
Then there’s the socioeconomic factor. Flying across the world to enjoy a luxury hobby is out of reach for most. When a celebrity like Kim Sook showcases these experiences on a public platform, it can unintentionally glamorize excessive spending and widen the perception gap between celebrities and the average viewer.
Safety is another legitimate concern. Airshows may be calculated and choreographed, but they involve high-risk maneuvers. Mishaps, while rare, can be fatal. One tragic example occurred at Poland’s 2007 Radom Air Show, where a fighter jet crash resulted in a pilot's death. Even in the U.S., safety regulations are tight, but accidents have still happened.
Mixed Reactions from Audiences
Kim’s airshow adventures have received a mix of admiration and criticism. Supporters praise her for diversifying what being a public figure means—showing that women, even in their forties and beyond, can have unconventional passions. Others appreciate how her visibility brings attention to a lesser-known cultural experience.
But skeptics argue that flying abroad for leisure during a climate crisis is tone-deaf. While Kim's intentions may be genuine, the optics matter—especially when presented via mainstream media. Some viewers worry the show unintentionally promotes consumerism or environmental disregard. A fair point in a world increasingly focused on carbon footprints and sustainability.
Balancing Passion with Responsibility
So what’s the takeaway? Hobbies like airshow-watching can be enriching and inspiring. They promote innovation, provide personal joy, and fuel local economies. But they also exist at the intersection of privilege, sustainability, and social responsibility.
The challenge isn’t to cancel such hobbies, but to place them in the right cultural and ethical context. Awareness campaigns, carbon offset programs, or eco-conscious airshow alternatives (such as electric aircraft demonstrations) may help bridge the gap. Kim Sook’s passion opens a window—but it also invites deeper questions.
Luxury hobbies aren’t going away. What matters is how they evolve—and how figures like Kim Sook can lead that transformation toward more inclusive, sustainable joy.