Incheon Airport Union Urges President Lee Hakjae to Stop Political Maneuvering and Resign

The labor union of Incheon International Airport Corporation strongly objected on January 20 to President Lee Hakjae's press conference alleging "illegal personnel intervention by the Presidential Office," dismissing it as nothing more than a political publicity stunt and calling for his immediate resignation.

On this day, the Incheon Airport labor union stated, "President Lee's series of actions are attempts to shift responsibility for problems that have emerged during airport operations to external parties," adding, "The core issue is not the restriction of personnel authority, but whether the president truly possesses the capability and qualifications to be responsible for Incheon Airport."

The union pointed out that the fundamental problem currently facing Incheon International Airport Corporation is not a paralysis of operations due to personnel intervention by the Presidential Office, but rather President Lee's actions dragging the organization into the center of political controversy.

The union further criticized President Lee for unilaterally pushing forward with the appointments of the head of the Kuwait overseas branch and the standing director of the special purpose company (SPC), arguing that these were not personnel decisions made for organizational stability or securing expertise, but explicit acts of favoritism toward those he personally favored.

The union continued, "When attempts at such favoritism were blocked, the president labeled the situation as 'organizational paralysis' and held a political press conference at the National Assembly during work hours," emphasizing that "the operational stability of Incheon Airport, a key national infrastructure, must take precedence over any justification or personal interest."

Finally, the union urged, "President Lee must stop shaking up the organization under the pretext of personnel authority, immediately cease turning the airport into a stage for political publicity and private appointments, and resign at once."

A rally of the Incheon Airport Branch of the Korean Public Service and Transport Workers' Union, affiliated with the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. Photo by Yonhap News Agency