South Korean pastors fined for disrupting domestic flight

Two pastors, aged 64 and 68, have been fined 1 million won (approximately $723) each for disrupting a domestic flight in South Korea. The Seoul Southern District Court issued the ruling on August 18 following an incident on a flight from Jeju to Gimpo on March 12.

According to court findings, the individuals engaged in loud preaching for approximately 13 minutes, shouting messages such as “You will go to hell if you don’t believe in Jesus” while walking through the aisle. The court noted that the pastors ignored repeated requests from cabin crew to stop and reportedly told a crew member, “Don’t try to lecture me,” when warned.

The defendants argued that their actions did not constitute a legal disturbance under the Aviation Security Act and denied having intent to cause a scene. However, the court rejected these arguments, stating that evidence established both the disruptive conduct and the intent to cause it. The Aviation Security Act prohibits verbal abuse and behavior that endangers passenger safety.