Eastar Jet: "Lee Sang-jik's Remarks at Bail Release Were Inappropriate"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Hyun-seok] Eastar Jet criticized the recent remarks made by former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, who was sentenced to prison and detained but recently released on bail, as inappropriate upon his release.

Eastar Jet issued a statement on the day, saying, "Beyond simply being inappropriate, his remarks could cause internal and external distrust toward Eastar Jet's sincere efforts to transform itself and prepare for resumption of flights."

Former lawmaker Lee said to reporters upon his release from Jeonju Prison on the 30th of last month, "I will contribute to the local community and make Eastar Jet a good company," adding, "The (laid-off employees) need to be re-employed, and I will devote myself to that work."

Eastar Jet emphasized regarding his remarks, "There is still a possibility of misunderstanding that Eastar Jet is related to former lawmaker Lee, and we want to make it clear that we are completely unrelated."

Along with this, they requested, "We ask that any words or actions that could be misunderstood as related to Eastar Jet be refrained from," and stated, "If such incidents occur, we will take all measures to prevent recurrence."

Eastar Jet explained, "The acquisition of Eastar Jet by Sungjeong was carried out through the strict rehabilitation procedures of the Seoul Bankruptcy Court," adding, "The former lawmaker Lee's side could not have any involvement in the court rehabilitation process." They further emphasized, "After the free cancellation of all old shares according to the rehabilitation plan, former lawmaker Lee does not hold a single share of Eastar Jet and is completely unrelated."

Eastar Jet also stated, "For reference, Sungjeong is also completely unrelated to former lawmaker Lee," emphasizing, "In particular, Chairman Hyung Nam-soon and all related parties have no acquaintance whatsoever with former lawmaker Lee."

They added, "With only the final hurdle of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) approval procedure remaining for resumption of flights, Eastar Jet's resumption and normalization is an extremely urgent and important matter related to the livelihoods of thousands of former and current employees, ground handling companies, and all partners," and requested, "Please support the earnest efforts and agonizing wait of all members for the resumption of flights to bear fruit."