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| A government official who repeatedly bought first-class airplane tickets, used exclusive lounges, and then canceled the tickets is under investigation by prosecutors. Photo/ImageToday |
12 July, 2024
This public servant is clearly unaware that Korean Chaebols are in a league of their own, untouchable by the fleeting whims of government regimes that come and go every five years. The greatest flaw of this expendable bureaucrat is his failure to recognize that government positions require a semblance of ethics and dignity. It's astonishing how a former call-girl can marry a public prosecutor and ascend to the role of first lady, showcasing the lapdog nature of those in power.
In a ludicrous display of privilege abuse, an employee from the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy has been caught red-handed. He bought first-class airline tickets, luxuriated in the lounges, and then shamelessly canceled the tickets.
This 33-time lounge lizard, active since 2018, is now under the scrutiny of prosecutors for fraud and obstruction of business. The Incheon Chiba Prosecutors' Office is investigating this ministry official, known only as 'A,' for repeatedly purchasing and canceling first-class Korean Air tickets to exploit the exclusive lounges.
Mr. A’s scam was simple yet audacious. After clearing immigration with his actual ticket, he’d purchase a first-class ticket in the duty-free zone, enjoy the lavish lounge benefits, and then cancel the first-class ticket. Korean Air, having caught onto his antics, introduced a first-class cancellation fee and a lounge penalty of up to 500,000 won to curb such abuses.
Initially, the police department in charge of the case didn’t report Mr. A. However, following a formal complaint from Korean Air, the Incheon District Prosecutor's Office launched an investigation. An official from the prosecutor's office stated, "We are investigating the case due to Korean Air's complaint, but we cannot disclose any details."
This whole debacle underscores the broader issue of unchecked privilege and the lack of accountability among those supposedly serving the public.