Presidential Remarks Spark Controversy Over Airport Security and Currency Smuggling
A recent work report session involving the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has ignited a public debate, highlighting a significant disconnect between presidential directives and the operational realities at Incheon Airport. President Lee Jae-myung’s mention of a novel crime method – smuggling foreign currency concealed within books – has drawn sharp criticism from the head of Incheon Corporation, Lee Hag-jae. This public dissent from a public enterprise president, particularly one appointed during the incumbent administration, is an unusual development in the country’s political landscape.
President Lee Hag-jae, a former three-term member of the People Power Party, stated on the 14th that even seasoned Incheon Airport employees with three decades of experience were unaware of the specific crime method described by the President. He further warned that implementing the President’s proposed solution – a 100% baggage opening inspection – to prevent such smuggling would lead to the paralysis of airport operations.
The controversy stemmed from President Lee Jae-myung’s remarks during a work report by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on the 12th. President Lee Hag-jae later elaborated on his experience during that session via Facebook, explaining that he was merely relaying information provided to him. He described receiving reprimands such as, “How long is your term?” and “You haven’t even grasped your duties,” suggesting a feeling of being unprepared or inadequately briefed.
President Lee Hag-jae expressed his surprise when questioned about the detection of multiple 100-dollar bills hidden within bookmarks, admitting he was unable to provide a satisfactory answer. He clarified the distinct jurisdictions involved in security matters.
- Customs Authority: The responsibility for combating illegal foreign currency smuggling falls under the purview of customs agencies.
- Incheon Airport Corporation’s Role: Incheon Airport Corporation’s inspection duties are primarily focused on identifying hazardous items. This includes contraband such as knives, awls, firearms, lighters, and prohibited liquids.
He emphasized that any instances of discovered illegal foreign currency smuggling are promptly handed over to customs authorities during their routine hazardous item inspections.
Operational Realities vs. Proposed Solutions
Further detailing the operational challenges, President Lee Hag-jae stated that, based on his inquiries, even long-serving employees at Incheon Airport, unless directly involved in security inspection fields, are unaware of specific protocols for inspecting dollar currency hidden within bookmarks. The President’s remarks, he contended, inadvertently revealed a previously unknown method of evasion, thereby informing potential criminals.
The proposed solution of a 100% baggage opening inspection, according to President Lee Hag-jae, is a method that involves individually opening every passenger’s luggage. He argued that such a measure is “realistically impossible” to implement without causing severe disruptions and paralyzing airport functions.
Disagreements Over International Projects
The exchange also touched upon the Incheon Airport Corporation’s bid for the Hurghada Airport project in Egypt. President Lee Jae-myung had reportedly inquired about the demand and prospects for Hurghada Airport. President Lee Hag-jae stated that he was unable to provide specific answers, as the corporation was in the initial stages of preparing for the bid and awaiting its official announcement. He explained that conducting demand surveys for a project that has not yet been put out for tender is not feasible, and he had not yet received any formal reports on the matter.
Political Undercurrents
Political observers have suggested that President Lee Jae-myung’s approach may have been intended to put President Lee Hag-jae, who was appointed during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration and is a former lawmaker from the opposing People Power Party, in an awkward position. Reports indicate that President Lee Jae-myung’s questioning became more pointed when President Lee Hag-jae hesitated to respond. Remarks such as, “You seem to know less than I do. You know nothing beyond what’s in the materials,” regarding the Egypt airport development project, have been cited as evidence of this.
President Lee Hag-jae’s current term is set to expire in June of the following year. Speculation is rife within political circles that he may be considering a run in the upcoming local elections, adding another layer of complexity to the public disagreements.