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Korean Singer Kim Jang-hoon Opens Up About In-Flight Smoking Incident
Appearing on the YouTube channel 'Song Seung-hwan's Wonderful Life' on the 7th, Kim discussed the incident that occurred on an airplane.
Regarding the in-flight smoking, Kim said, "I was genuinely curious if the siren would go off if I smoked on the plane," and added, "When I tried it, the alarm really did go off." He then elaborated on the situation.
"I took some medication and passed out, and when I woke up, the performance was over," he said. "Before the Venice Carnival performance, there was a delivery mishap, and my instruments didn't arrive, which caused me a lot of stress. I was so anxious that I was on the verge of a panic attack, and even though I kept taking my panic disorder medication on the plane, I couldn't calm down," he explained.
He added, "Even after taking the medication multiple times, I couldn't calm down, and I acted impulsively." He then smoked in the airplane bathroom, triggering the alarm.
Kim also shared what happened after the plane landed. "As soon as we landed, the police were waiting," he said. "I asked if they were going to handcuff me, and they said, 'No handcuffs,' and proceeded with the investigation." He recalled, "I offered my hands for handcuffs, but they didn't cuff me."
He further explained, "The fine was initially around 1 million won, but it was reduced to 500,000 won." He admitted, "It was my fault without any excuses."
Kim Jang-hoon was involved in a controversy in December 2014 for smoking on a Korean Air flight from Charles de Gaulle Airport in France to Incheon International Airport. He was charged with violating the Aviation Security Act and received a summary order to pay a fine of 1 million won.
Reporter Na-yeon Cho, Ten Asia nybluebook@tenasia.co.kr