Clogged Toilets During Incheon Airport Strike: "Believed to Be Deliberate, Police Investigation Requested"

National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee
Photos of toilet paper stuffed in airport toilets revealed during Incheon Airport audit

There are indications that toilets at Incheon International Airport were deliberately clogged during the recent Chuseok holiday period, when airport workers were on strike. The airport authorities have decided to request a police investigation into the matter.

Photo of a toilet bowl at Incheon International Airport disclosed by Kim Eunhye, a member of the People Power Party, during the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee audit on the 27th. Screenshot from National Assembly Broadcasting YouTube channel

Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, responded to a related question from Assemblywoman Kim Eunhye of the People Power Party at the National Assembly Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee audit held at the corporation's headquarters in Jung-gu, Incheon, on the 27th, stating, "We believe it was done intentionally."

Assemblywoman Kim said, "There were media reports during the strike period about toilets being clogged and foul odors," and disclosed several photos of toilets blocked with toilet paper. The photos showed about ten toilets with the seats lifted, either stuffed entirely with rolls of toilet paper or with large amounts of paper discarded inside.

Assemblywoman Kim asked, "Is it common for people to tear off entire rolls of toilet paper and stuff them into toilets to clog them, or even throw in garbage bags?" President Lee replied, "It does not appear to be something that ordinary passengers using the restroom would do." When Kim further asked, "Who do you believe is responsible? There are even reports that a specific individual identified as a member of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions was involved. Is that correct?" Lee answered, "We have identified individuals and are planning to request an investigation."

Assemblywoman Kim pointed out, "If a specific union member was involved, this is a very serious issue. If true, it means they intentionally caused trouble during the busy and understaffed Chuseok holiday to make things difficult for others." She continued, "Announcing another strike ahead of a national event like APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is a clear obstruction of the corporation's work. There must be a thorough investigation and those responsible should be held legally accountable."

Previously, the National Airport Workers' Solidarity, composed of the Incheon Airport Branch of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union and the National Airport Workers' Union, conducted a ten-day strike starting from the 1st of the month, just before the Chuseok holiday, demanding an increase in personnel and a revision of the shift system. They have stated that they will launch another strike if the government and the corporation do not present countermeasures.