I just read through the posts on the DL forum regarding the "phantom F class" on the 'sold as 2 class, but has 3 classes of seats' KE flights.

Right now, I am on the upper deck of a 744 from LAX-NRT-ICN, which I'm assuming is a more desirable place to sit than the lower deck? I phoned KE and they say that the F cabin of this 'sold as 2 class' flight is already sold out... I wouldn't be surprised that this is reserved for the elite pax or their "Business Plus" pax. I did use/pay for F RT, but since KE only offers Biz on this flight, I'm expecting no joy on the front "phantom F" cabin. I guess being on the upper deck and not having to stare at the curtain will help... although I'm not about to complain, given the circumstances of my trip...

On the return, I'm on a ICN-LAX non-stop, and when calling KE, they confirmed that I am in actual First Class... this route is sold as a 3 class flight, and that I am in a Sleeper seat... good/great thing for me.

It sounds like if you are redeeming an award on a 2 class (regardless of how many actual seat classes are on the a/c, or whether or not you paid for a F using miles) flight, you're gonna get stuck in the traditional business class cabin... but if there is actually 3 class service sold on that plane, you will get the F cabin that you paid for.

All a little confusing and somewhat "not cool" on KE's part if you are paying for the full F ticket (with cash or miles) you should get the best seat/class/service on the plane, but in this particular situation for me, I'm just glad I got the tix/awards and am making the trip in time for my family so I'm really not going to complain... For me, this clearly emphasizes the fact that there are more important things than which business class seat I get or if I get upgraded or not...