KLM Airlines "Korean Restroom Discrimination Was Crew's Independent Action" Apologizes Deeply

On the morning of the 14th, KLM Airlines officials apologized at a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, regarding the Korean-language notice about the "Crew-Only Restroom." [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Seong-yeol] Dutch airline KLM has apologized for taking discriminatory measures against Koreans in relation to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Guillaume Glass, KLM Regional Manager for Korea, Japan, and New Caledonia, apologized at a press conference held on the morning of the 14th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, saying, "It was an individual crew member's mistake, but it is by no means a trivial mistake."

Four executives attended the press conference, including Lee Moon-jung, head of the Korea branch; Chris van Erp, Sales Director for Korea, Japan, and New Caledonia; and Fran?ois Giudicelli, Head of Asia-Pacific Business Development.

Glass stated, "We deeply regret causing concern to our Korean customers as this was interpreted as discriminatory behavior against Korean customers."

He explained, "The operation of crew-only restrooms is not KLM policy, and the notice written only in Korean was also an independent action by the crew member."

He added, "Regarding this matter, KLM plans to notify all its crew members worldwide that crew-only restrooms are not permitted," and "We will emphasize this issue again during crew briefings before flights departing from and arriving at Incheon in the future."

On the 10th, a paper notice written in Korean saying "Crew Only Restroom" was placed in front of the restroom door on KLM flight KL855, which departed from Amsterdam, Netherlands, heading to Incheon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, on the 10th, a paper notice written in Korean stating "Crew Only Restroom" was posted on the door of the onboard restroom on KLM flight KL855, which departed from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and was heading to Incheon, sparking controversy over "racial discrimination."

Korean passenger Mr. Kim saw the notice, took a photo, and protested to the airline. However, the crew reportedly responded, "This decision was made to protect against potential COVID-19 carriers," and controversially demanded that Mr. Kim delete the photo, intensifying the dispute.