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Korean Air Lines jets at the airport.
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Man with mental disability told he needed guardian
A disabled person, identified by the surname Kim, was denied boarding by Korean Air Lines (KAL) when he tried to take a flight from Ulsan, North Gyeongsang Province, to Seoul on August 17. Kim suffers from a brain disorder, and gave this information to the airline in order to get a discounted ticket. But based on the information, the airline denied him from boarding the flight, saying that he needed a guardian to accompany him. Kim, 60, said that his disorder would not cause any difficulty to other passengers, and accused the airline of discrimination due to his disability. An official of KAL said, "It is our policy that someone with Mr. Kim’s category of brain disorder have a guardian accompany them." Kim used another airline to return home.Along with the Research Institute of Differently Abled Person’s Rights, Kim held a press conference in front of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) headquarters yesterday, voicing his anger at Korean Air and calling them violators of human rights. He also submitted a petition to the NHRC against KAL. Lee Hye-yeong, an official of the institute, denounced KAL, saying, "KAL’s policy, for the airline’s convenience, ignored the right of disabled persons to make their own decisions." KAL explained that the airline adopted such a rule after accidents in which mentally disabled passengers suffered strokes or committed suicide onboard. "After the company’s medical advisors suggested such a measure, the management conveyed it to its employees as a guideline. It is not compulsory, however, and we will come to a reasonable solution as soon as possible," said a KAL official on condition of anonymity.
