Former Chief Purser Park Changjin Criticizes Lee Hakjae: "Lacks Basic Understanding of Airport Operations... Perhaps Due to Lack of Ordinary Immigration Experience"

President and Lee Hakjae Clash Over Jurisdiction of Illegal Foreign Currency Outflows
Lee Hakjae: "Incheon Airport Bears No Legal Responsibility for Crackdowns"
Park Changjin: "The Entire Airport System Functions Organically"

As the dispute over the jurisdiction of 'illegal foreign currency outflows' between President Lee Jaemyung and Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, continues, Park Changjin, a former chief purser of Korean Air and Senior Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, has criticized President Lee. Park is also widely known as the victim of the so-called 'nut rage' incident.

Changjin Park, Senior Deputy Spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea. The Asia Business Daily DB

On December 18, through his social media account, Deputy Spokesperson Park stated, "President Lee tried to deflect responsibility for not even grasping the basics of his duties during a work briefing by suddenly introducing a confusing debate about the legal difference between an MOU and delegated duties," adding, "Instead of providing an explanation, he only revealed his ignorance and irresponsibility." He continued, "The President's question was a simple and clear one: 'Is the crackdown on illegal foreign currency outflows being properly carried out?' The answer is obvious if you just recall the airport departure procedures."

He explained, "Every departing passenger, without exception, goes through the security checkpoint at the departure hall. This process operates under a highly thorough screening system; if hazardous materials are found, they are immediately handed over to the police or relevant authorities, and if a customs regulation violation is suspected, it is reported to customs for action. The same applies to quarantine. The key point is not who conducts the screening, but that the entire airport system is designed to function organically." He went on, "Nevertheless, President Lee responded by saying, 'Since an MOU does not entail legal responsibility, it is not the airport corporation's business,' which I strongly criticize."

He further stated, "President Lee's answer not only evades responsibility but also admits a fundamental lack of understanding of the airport's operational structure. This becomes even clearer when compared to the arrival hall. In most countries, including Korea, customs inspections upon arrival are conducted on a discretionary and random basis, not through comprehensive screening." He continued, "While customs officials directly conduct inspections in the arrival hall, comprehensive screening is mandatory in the departure hall. Since it is impossible for customs officials alone to handle all passengers, the airport corporation hires security personnel to conduct the first round of screening, and if any illegal activity is detected, it is immediately reported and handed over to the responsible customs officer. This is the essence of delegation, and it is not a structure where responsibility disappears."

He remarked, "It is more disappointing than surprising that Lee Hakjae, who served three terms as a lawmaker and is now President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, does not even understand the basic structure. Perhaps it is because he has rarely experienced the immigration process like ordinary passengers, waiting in line and going through the procedures himself."

Lee Hakjae, President of Incheon International Airport Corporation, rebutted, "The legal responsibility for cracking down on illegal foreign currency outflows lies with the Korea Customs Service, and Incheon Airport cooperates through an MOU. We have never been entrusted with this duty." Yonhap News Agency

Previously, on the morning of December 17, before receiving a work briefing, President Lee stated, "At first, President Lee said it was his responsibility, then said it was the responsibility of customs. Later, he kept insisting it was not the airport corporation's job. While reading comments, I saw one saying that it is indeed the airport corporation's responsibility, not customs. The public knows this." He continued, "A work briefing is not a place for political debate, so why exploit it in such a way? In the administrative field, false reports must not be made. Did I scold anyone for not knowing? You can study and make improvements. This is a place for administration. Here, we command, order, and follow in the administrative domain," he pointed out.

In response, President Lee stated on social media, "The legal responsibility for cracking down on illegal foreign currency outflows lies with the Korea Customs Service, and Incheon Airport only cooperates through an MOU. We have never been entrusted with this duty," adding, "An MOU is a memorandum of understanding that expresses an intention to cooperate, but it does not entail legal responsibility. In contrast, delegation involves assigning duties to another agency based on laws or contracts, which does entail legal responsibility."

He further explained, "Incheon International Airport Corporation does not have legal authority or responsibility regarding illegal foreign currency outflows, so we have signed an MOU to assist the Korea Customs Service with security screening for hazardous materials. I urge the President's advisors to provide accurate, fact-based reports."