[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Former lawmaker Lee Sang-jik, who is under prosecution investigation for the 'Eastar Jet unfair hiring allegations,' claimed that it was not unfair hiring but a regional quota system.
On the 24th, after the continuation of the appeal trial for the Eastar Jet embezzlement and breach of trust case held at the Jeonju District Court, he told reporters, "I was not involved in the (obstruction of business) case, and it was simply a process of hiring local talents."
He said, "Like public enterprises, 30% of the total workforce is hired as local talents, and recommendations are received during the hiring process for these individuals," adding, "It seems the point is why we hired the 30% local talents who are somewhat less qualified than the remaining 70%."
He continued, "(The prosecution's claim) is that I obstructed business, but then no one from the region should be hired," and said, "If government policy was implemented, there should be a reward..."
Former lawmaker Lee is suspected of receiving bribes in exchange for recommending certain applicants to the HR team during the 2014-2015 flight attendant hiring process along with former Eastar Jet CEO Choi Jong-gu and others, resulting in the hiring of applicants who did not meet the qualification standards. The Jeonju District Prosecutors' Office is investigating this case after it was transferred from the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office.
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