Two Pastors Fined for Disrupting Flight with Loud Preaching: Violated Aviation Security Act, Court Rules

Two pastors were fined 1 million won ($723) each for disrupting a domestic flight by engaging in loud preaching, as reported by local media. The incident occurred on a flight from Jeju to Gimpo, which departed at approximately 3:40 p.m. on March 12. According to the Seoul Southern District Court’s ruling on August 18, the pastors, aged 64 and 68, were convicted of violating the Aviation Security Act.

During the flight, the 64-year-old pastor stood in the aisle and repeatedly told passengers, “You will go to hell if you don’t believe in Jesus.” The 68-year-old pastor joined him, shouting, “Hallelujah, you will go to hell,” while moving up and down the aisle. When approached by a crew member to issue a warning, the pastors reportedly responded with, “Don’t try to lecture me.” Despite repeated requests from both crew and passengers to cease, the disturbance continued for about 13 minutes.

At trial, the pastors denied the charges, claiming their actions did not constitute a “disturbance” under the Aviation Security Act and that they had no intent to cause such a scene. However, the court found otherwise, stating, “Based on the lawfully collected evidence, both the defendants’ disruptive conduct and their intent to cause it have been established.”

The Aviation Security Act prohibits verbal abuse, disruptive behavior, and any conduct that endangers other passengers to ensure flight safety. The law also empowers pilots and crew members to restrain unruly passengers using devices such as taser guns and binding ropes if a disturbance persists, with police investigations possible upon landing.

In reflecting on this incident, one might consider the biblical call to love one’s neighbor and act with humility and respect, as highlighted in Micah 6:8 and Proverbs 31:8-9. These passages remind us of the importance of justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God, principles that should guide all interactions, even those that may stem from deep personal convictions.

Source: Read the original report