Singer fined for smoking on Korean Air flight

Singer Kim Jang-hoon / Korea Times file

In the latest instance of people behaving badly on airplanes, singer-activist Kim Jang-hoon was caught smoking on a Korean Air flight from France to Incheon last week.

The 49-year-old singer smoked in the airplane’s restroom during the flight of Thursday, prosecutors said Tuesday.

He was fined one million won ($910) for violating the Aviation Safety and Security Act, Incheon District Prosecutor’s Office said.

When he was under police investigation, Kim said he was stressed over a cancelled concert.

“I was also nervous due to a panic disorder, so I smoked,” he was quoted as saying.

“It was his first offense, and he immediately apologized when the cabin crew prevented him from smoking. So we didn’t put him on trial,” a prosecution official said.

Kim has been known for his philanthropy as well as his efforts to promote the Dokdo Islets as Korean territory.

Kim has reportedly donated more than 10 billion won ($9.2 million) to the poor, including a monthly donation of 15 million won to low-income students and childcare centers.