"Bought Business, Seated in Economy... Disturbance Is True, I Apologize" Bobby Kim Explains the Full Story

"The In-Flight Disturbance Is True... I Want to Apologize"
Paid for Business Class, but Received Economy Seat
Other Passenger Who Complained Was Upgraded to Business Class

Singer Bobby Kim explained the in-flight disturbance incident in 2015. Screenshot from YouTube channel Pisik University

Singer Bobby Kim apologized while explaining the in-flight disturbance incident that occurred ten years ago on a flight to the United States. He admitted that his behavior on the plane was wrong, but explained that he was upset because he was not allowed to sit in the business class seat despite having purchased a business class ticket.

On December 14, Bobby Kim appeared on the YouTube channel "Pisik University" and discussed the in-flight disturbance incident that took place on a flight to the United States in 2015. When the host asked him to explain what happened, Bobby Kim said, "I bought a business class ticket, but I couldn't sit in that seat. Instead, I was given an economy seat. Feeling upset, I started drinking wine, ended up drinking too much, and at some point, I blacked out."

Bobby Kim said he only realized the situation after seeing the news the next day. He stated, "I think I caused a commotion on the plane and acted aggressively. It is true that I caused a disturbance, and I definitely want to apologize for that part."

Host Lee Yongjoo, who appeared alongside him, empathized by saying, "Isn't it true that you couldn't sit in your seat because of an airline mistake, even though you bought a business class ticket? It's not just your fault." Kwak Beom also added, "I would have felt wronged too."

Duplicate Ticket Issued Due to 'Similar Names' Confusion... Bobby Kim Fined 4 Million Won, Ordered to Complete 40 Hours of Sexual Assault Prevention Program

On January 9, 2015, Bobby Kim boarded Korean Air's direct flight KE023 (Boeing 777) from Incheon to San Francisco. The issue arose when his ticket was issued under the name "KIM ROBERT," which was on the passenger list for the same flight, instead of his full English name, "KIM ROBERT DO KYUN." Korean Air explained at the time, "Bobby Kim, who had a reservation, arrived first, but the counter staff mistakenly issued a duplicate ticket, confusing him with another passenger with the same name."

Singer Bobby Kim explained the in-flight disturbance incident in 2015. Screenshot from YouTube channel Pisik University

According to Korean Air's explanation at the time and testimony from a passenger interviewed by Ilgan Sports, Bobby Kim had reserved an economy class seat and intended to upgrade to business class using mileage, but the airline failed to process this properly. However, when another passenger who had a seat issue complained, that person was upgraded from economy to business class, while Bobby Kim, despite having paid the equivalent of a business class seat, was denied the upgrade.

With no other choice, Bobby Kim boarded economy class and, trying to soothe his feelings, ordered wine. He ended up getting drunk and caused a disturbance, including inappropriate remarks and comments to a flight attendant that could be considered sexual harassment.

Subsequently, on February 17 of the same year, he was criminally charged for the in-flight disturbance. In June, the court sentenced Bobby Kim to a fine of 4 million won and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual assault prevention program for charges of in-flight disturbance and sexual harassment.