I've seen plenty of people sitting in an exit row who probably should not have been allowed to sit there, especially because of physical strength. Some doors weigh 40lbs or more (CRJ?) and have to be lifted out of the aircraft.
The few times I flew domestically in Korea I was easily able to sit in an exit row despite last minute reservations and not speaking Korean. It was funny to be the only person in the exit row despite being on a nearly full aircraft. Perhaps they don't have a language rule like the US does.
Originally Posted by
alanh
The cost of totally eliminating the risk is so high vs. the risk it's better off spending the money on other safety improvements.
^, except that total elimination of risk is infinitely expensive (i.e. impossible).