Asiana Airlines’ CEO, Park Sam-koo, is in hot water after allegations of sexual harassment have surfaced from female flight attendants. This comes as the #MeToo movement is growing globally, including in South Korea, causing more people to speak out. This all surfaced from online posts alleging his inappropriate behavior around female flight attendants.
Since first appearing online, many flight attendants have come forward to share their experiences with him. Here are just a few examples of what he has allegedly done, per The Korea Bizwire (obviously it’s important to keep in mind the cultural context here):
Park travels to the headquarters of Asiana Airlines in Seoul on the first Thursday of every month to cheer on flight attendants, according to the airline.
Standing in a circle in the lobby, Asiana flight attendants clap their hands with Park as part of the monthly corporate ritual, during which Park exchanges greetings with his workers, offers advice, and encourages female workers back on the job after maternity leave.
Park now faces a series of allegations of sexual harassment during a routine that many would expect from the North Korean regime, with many employees accusing the CEO of treating them like his personal cheering squad, as well some feeling pressured to shake hands with him.
Kim has reportedly said openly that he comes to meet female flight attendants to receive ‘energy’, according to the Hankyoreh, which cited a source close to the airline.
Following criticism over some of the female employees at Asiana Airlines having to perform a traditional New Year’s bow clothed in hanbok, traditional Korean attire, Park also began receiving bows from male workers.
I’ll be curious to see what comes of this.
(Tip of the hat to @ITSmartTours)
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