Jakarta, ThedailyID — Two South Korean priests have been fined 1 million won each, or around Rp12.8 million, after disrupting a flight with an impromptu sermon.
The two men, both in their 60s, preached while standing in the aircraft aisle during a flight from Jeju to Gimpo on March 12.
Their actions sparked arguments with passengers who complained about the disruption. One priest also shouted a religious threat while cabin crew tried to make him sit down.
“You will go to hell if you do not believe in Jesus,” one of the priests shouted at a passenger, according to The Independent, Sunday (30/08).
The second priest later joined him, walking through the cabin while shouting, “Hallelujah, you will go to hell.”
The situation continued for 13 minutes. Both men repeatedly ignored warnings from cabin crew and objections from other passengers.
The Seoul Southern District Court found both priests guilty of violating South Korea’s Aviation Safety Act on Tuesday (Aug. 18).
The court said legally obtained evidence proved that their conduct disrupted order on the aircraft. It also found that they intended to cause the disruption.
The two priests denied the charges. They argued that their actions did not meet the legal definition of disruptive behavior and said they never intended to cause trouble.
South Korean aviation rules allow authorities to restrain disruptive passengers with electric stun devices and restraints. Authorities can also investigate such passengers after they land.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) recorded 93,107 reports of unruly passenger incidents from more than 140 operators worldwide in 2026.
The case highlights how disruptive behavior during flights can lead to legal consequences, even when it stems from religious activity.
