"2 Million Won" Suitcase Severely Damaged... Frustration as Only 20,000 Won Compensation Offered

Airline: "Unable to verify purchase date"
"Depreciation standards difficult to apply"
"20,000 won offered... No additional compensation"

Controversy has arisen after it was reported that a luxury suitcase worth approximately 2 million won was severely damaged immediately upon arrival at an overseas airport, yet a domestic airline only offered compensation of 2,000 yen (about 20,000 won).

A severely damaged suitcase arriving at a Japanese airport. Online community

Recently, a post titled "What is this, Jeju Air?" was uploaded to an online community. The author, identified as Mr. A, stated that after arriving at Narita Airport in Japan, he discovered his suitcase had been severely damaged on the baggage conveyor belt.

According to Mr. A, the suitcase's lock was broken and left open, wrapped in transparent tape, and an orange band with someone else's name tag was tied to the handle. Determining that the suitcase was unusable, Mr. A immediately reported the damage to a Jeju Air employee. However, the employee responded, "We do not know the circumstances of the incident, but we will pay 2,000 yen. Please sign and you may go."

"Requested restoration or repair cost compensation... Only 20,000 won offered," frustration expressed

Mr. A said, "After searching, I found that repairing the lock alone would cost about 80,000 won," adding, "I requested restoration or compensation for the repair cost, but was told that only 2,000 yen compensation was possible because the suitcase had been used for more than five years." He further expressed his displeasure, saying, "If it was damaged, they should have at least contacted me in advance or not placed it on the conveyor belt as it was."

The suitcase in question was Rimowa's 'Original Compact Brief Case', which reportedly sells for 2.03 million won. Mr. A refuted any claims of overpacking, stating, "I only packed clothes, gochujang, and some cosmetics."

A severely damaged suitcase arriving at a Japanese airport. Online community

Airline: "Additional compensation beyond regulations is difficult"

In the post, Mr. A disclosed the official reply email he received from the airline. In the email, Jeju Air apologized for the inconvenience caused by the damaged suitcase but stated, "No evidence of the suitcase being opened was found at either Incheon or Narita." The airline also explained that the suitcase had already been taped before it was picked up, and that it was in the same condition as shown in the photos at the time of loading.

The airline further stated, "It is difficult to determine exactly at which stage and under what circumstances the damage occurred," and explained that, "Since the suitcase was purchased five to six years ago, and the exact purchase date cannot be confirmed, it is difficult to apply depreciation standards." The airline concluded that compensation beyond the repair cost substitute, as stipulated by regulations, would not be possible.

"Too harsh" vs. "No other choice"... Heated debate among netizens

Netizens who read the story criticized the airline, saying, "It's a Rimowa suitcase and they only offered 2,000 yen-that's too harsh," "They should at least cover the repair cost," and "I've never seen a Rimowa so badly damaged." One netizen shared a similar experience, saying, "I also flew with Jeju Air and my suitcase was smashed. I received 20,000 won in compensation, and that was after more than a month."

However, some netizens responded, "It's wise to consider suitcases as consumables. After five years of use, being thrown and bumped around, their durability is gone," "It's impossible to know the original condition of the suitcase, so I remain neutral," and "International baggage compensation must follow regulations and depreciation."

In principle, airlines are responsible for baggage damage, and compensation is provided according to each airline's own compensation policies. For domestic airlines, compensation is calculated according to International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, with 10% of the purchase price depreciated for each year of use if baggage is damaged. Travelers with travel insurance can also file a claim with their insurance company. However, double compensation from both the airline and the insurance company is not allowed.