Korean passenger from hell ordered to pay Hawaiian Airlines compensation

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A man, who forced an international flight to return to Hawaii last February, has been ordered to pay the airline more than 5.3 million baht.

South Korean Kyong Chol Kim was also sentenced to six months in jail for interfering with flight attendants and crew members, and annoying passengers on the flight. His behaviour on the Hawaiian Airlines flight to South Korea forced the pilot to turn around and return to Honolulu.

Prosecutors say the 48 year old South Korean was drinking whiskey before the flight and later started hassling a child sitting next to him.

They then accused him of lunging at a flight attendant after being confronted about his behaviour.

As it happened, there were armed US officials on board who were able to help restrain the man as the pilot decided to turn the flight around. Kim has been ordered to pay Hawaiian Airlines costs relating to the return of the flight and accommodating the passengers.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post