Court defends Korean Air for firing abusive worker

By Lee Kyung-min

A district court Sunday backed a decision by Korean Air to sack a chief flight attendant accused of verbally abusing and sexually harassing colleagues for a number of years.

The worker, identified as a 55-year-old with the surname Tak, was fired early last year after the company learned from other flight attendants that he abused them ― verbally and sexually ― for many years. He immediately filed a suit, demanding nullification of the dismissal.

However, Seoul Southern District Court, ruled that the firm’s decision was legal.

“A number of testimonies presented during the hearing consistently pointed to his sexually abusive language and manner in which he casually delivered the workers under him. Those remarks made over the years were enough to cause the victims to feel embarrassed, ashamed, and disgusted. The workers had to put up with him in the hostile work environment he created,” the judge said in its ruling.

“The company policy of Korean Air dictates dismissal for any employee who sexually or verbally abuses co–workers. Tak being let go was not disproportionate and was in line with such a policy.”

The court said that Tak abused his status as chief flight attendant and demanded that workers under give him presents, or gift cards.

“Not only that, he had these workers to do his job. The company dismissed him for both reasons and is within their legal right to do so,” said the court.

As soon as the allegations surfaced, the company suspended him, and conducted two internal investigations concluding that the allegations against him were true. The company fired him shortly after that.

According to victims’ testimonies, Tak allegedly said to one of his female flight attendants, “You look like a model for a pornographic magazine.” He allegedly told another, “You look like a hooker.”

After noticing a couple of them hugging and laughing, he allegedly said, “Those are the types that will lose themselves drooling over men once they get to, you know.”

He allegedly told another worker, “Your skin is so tight,” and gave her a nickname that made reference to her “tight skin.”

Tak also abused his status as the chief flight attendant, making demands in a passive way hinting that he expected presents or cash.

He allegedly said to a worker who was soon to get married, “I have to go to your wedding, but I have no clothes to wear.”

He also said, “Think about it, it is an investment. If it costs a few million won now, that will be nothing when you get promoted by my recommendation. Think about the future.”

Many of those who got promoted reportedly gave him presents, according to the results of the investigation.

Also, he gave free seat upgrades to members of his family.