‘Nutgate’ Flight Attendant Testifies Korean Air Working Conditions Rival Feudal Slavery

Flight attendant at the center of “nutgate” testifies in court against former Korean Air executive, comparing working conditions to feudal slavery.

The Korean Air flight attendant at the center of the “nutgate” scandal had his say in court during the final day of the trial against Cho Hyun-ah. Reuters reports Park Chang-jin, the chief steward ordered off a flight in December, compared his working conditions to slavery during his emotional testimony.

“I don’t think Cho showed an ounce of conscience,” Park told the court. “[Cho treated] powerless people like myself like feudal slaves, forcing us to sacrifice and treating it as if it was the natural thing to do.”

Cho is on trial for allegedly forcing a Korean Air flight to return to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) after Park served macadamia nuts to her in a bag instead of on a plate. The Guardian reports the former airline executive is denying four charges filed against her, including endangering flight safety.

During the trial, The Guardian reports Cho admitted to throwing an object at a flight attendant and pushing her shoulder. However, she also claimed that her actions were because of her devotion to the airline and the cabin crew made the first mistakes.

In addition to the charges against her, Korean prosecutors are seeking charges against two other officials as well. NBC News reports charges have been filed against Korean Air executive Yeo Woon-Jin, accused of trying to cover up the scandal, as well as another former airline executive who now works in the Korean Transport Ministry.

The case has been returned to a three judge panel for a verdict. The court is expected to return their decision later in February.

[Photo: Korean Air]