Former Incheon Airport President Koo Bon-hwan "Office doesn't have to be on Yeongjong Island"... Indicates Return to Work

Plan to Establish Offices in Gwangmyeong and Yeouido
Current President Kim Kyung-wook and Expected Two-Person System

Former Incheon Airport Corporation President Koo Bon-hwan attended the full meeting of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee held at the National Assembly in August last year, drinking water as if feeling anxious. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

After winning the first trial in the dismissal cancellation lawsuit, former Incheon International Airport Corporation President Gu Bon-hwan expressed his intention to "set up an office in a new area, not Yeongjongdo (Incheon Airport), and return to work under a co-CEO system."

On the 22nd, Gu said in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "I am currently looking for an office near Gwangmyeong, Yeouido, or Incheon Songdo," adding, "I plan to complete the contract soon and start commuting to the office." He continued, "I believe the division of duties is an issue that can be resolved through sufficient consultation with the management," and explained, "For now, I think it would be fine to operate under a co-CEO system with Kim Kyung-wook, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation."

He also emphasized, "I hope the management respects the court's ruling to cancel the dismissal," and added, "However, if we amicably discuss how to divide operational responsibilities, there is absolutely no reason for conflict with President Kim."

Gu has currently set up a temporary office within Incheon Airport Corporation's Terminal 2 (T2) and began commuting from the day before to familiarize himself with the work. He recently met with the corporation's staff to discuss his future return to work.

As Gu hinted at returning to work, there is a clear sense of discomfort within the corporation.

Kim Kyung-wook, who returned early this morning from a business trip to Indonesia, expressed a negative stance on Gu's return to work. Earlier this month, at a press conference, Kim strongly opposed Gu's return, stating, "(Gu's return) could cause confusion, and the corporation will take legal action."

The Incheon International Airport Corporation Labor Union also issued a statement saying, "(Gu) unfairly dismissed 47 non-regular workers during the hasty direct employment process," and firmly stated, "No workers welcome his return."

Some expect that the second trial result for Gu will come out in the first half of next year, and to avoid work disputes during the remaining term (until April 15, 2022), it is anticipated that they will negotiate to handle only minimal schedules in a separate office.

Previously, Gu was dismissed from his position as president of Incheon Airport Corporation in September last year during the National Assembly audit for violations including poor response to typhoon crises, false reporting of activities, and undermining fairness in personnel management. In response, Gu argued that the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's audit procedures were illegal and filed a lawsuit against the president in October last year.