Global Courant
SEOUL — A 19-year-old in South Korea under investigation for attempting to open an emergency door during a flight has admitted taking methamphetamine days before the incident, local police said Friday.
The unnamed teen, who attempted to open the plane door on a flight from the Philippines to South Korea’s main airport in Incheon, said he consumed drugs with six Filipinos at a hotel in Cebu two days before the flight. He has since been questioned by the Incheon Airport Police.
The suspect was on a Jeju Air flight that departed from Mactan-Cebu International Airport on June 19.
During the flight, he said he would “kill anyone by opening the door” and argued with flight attendants when they tried to move his seat, at one point making threats with a pen, according to witness statements.
When later asked about the incidents by local reporters, he said he “felt attacked by those in power”. He did not elaborate further and did not give a clear motive for his actions when questioned by the police.
He was taken into custody shortly after landing and tested positive using a rapid drug test.
The prosecution has requested a detailed examination of its samples by the National Forensic Service, which is awaiting a result. If drug use is confirmed, officials plan to launch an investigation into how he obtained the substances.
The incident had shocked the South Korean public after a similar incident occurred in May.
On May 26, a 33-year-old nicknamed Lee forcibly opened a door during an Asiana Air flight from Jeju Island to Daegu.
No serious injuries occurred as the incident occurred when the aircraft was at low altitude – 200 meters above the ground – but 12 passengers experienced minor problems, including nausea and difficulty breathing. Damage to the aircraft was estimated at 640 million won ($657,000).
Lee was charged with property damage and violation of the Aviation Security Act. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
