K-Pop Star Soyou Alleges Racial Discrimination on Delta Flight Amid Contradictory Witness Claims

K-pop group SISTAR's Soyou has come forward with allegations of racial discrimination aboard a Delta Air Lines flight, while a witness at the scene claimed she was intoxicated. The witness has since deleted their 'intoxication revelation' post and has not provided any further statements.

On the 20th, Soyou issued a second statement regarding the incident, asserting that she only consumed a small amount of alcohol with her meal in the lounge before boarding and faced no issues during the boarding process. She explained, "After boarding, I organized my luggage and asked a flight attendant about meal times. However, my English isn't fluent enough for a smooth conversation." She continued, "I assumed there would be a Korean-speaking attendant on a flight to Korea and requested one. During this process, my English might have been misinterpreted, leading to the purser and security being called. A Korean-speaking attendant assisted me, confirming there was no issue, and I continued my flight as planned."

Soyou added, "While this may have stemmed from a misunderstanding, I continued to experience humiliating incidents."

She recounted, "While moving to the restroom, I encountered a flight attendant with a cart. The attendant asked me to step aside, which I did, but the purser then ordered me to leave the area in a high-handed manner. The attendant explained that I was there at their request, but no apology was offered."

Soyou also mentioned, "A staff member traveling with me requested a Korean menu, but was given another foreign language menu without explanation, creating an awkward situation. Despite apologies from the Korean-speaking attendant, I remain bewildered and disappointed by the cold stares and attitudes throughout the flight."

Soyou clarified, "I didn't raise a formal objection at the time, nor did I write about this for compensation or exposure. I shared my experience on social media hoping no one else would endure the same. I hope the facts aren't exaggerated and apologize to any passengers inconvenienced by the incident."

Previously, on the 19th, Soyou posted on her social media with a photo of her Delta boarding pass, claiming, "I was simply trying to confirm meal times in my tired state by requesting a Korean-speaking attendant, but the purser judged my demeanor and treated me like a problematic passenger, even calling security." She added, "I endured cold stares and attitudes throughout the flight, wondering if this was racial discrimination. I couldn't eat anything during the over 15-hour flight."

However, an anonymous witness, identified as A, claimed, "Soyou was intoxicated," and "I heard staff saying 'You can't board in a drunken state.' Soyou admitted to being drunk and sought a Korean-speaking attendant because she couldn't read the menu." The witness alleged that Soyou ignored crew instructions and caused a disturbance, prompting complaints from other passengers and justifying the security call.

A's post has since been deleted, and no further statements have been made. Delta Air Lines has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

Choi Ji-ye, TenAsia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr