SOYOU released a second statement Monday night in response to claims that she was intoxicated aboard an American airline flight, during which she stated she had been the victim of discrimination.
“I only had a small amount of alcohol with my meal in the lounge before boarding. There were no issues or restrictions during the boarding process,” wrote SOYOU, member of SISTAR, on Instagram. She denied the online rumors claiming that she was drunk, explaining, “Since it was a flight bound for Korea, I assumed there would be a Korean-speaking flight attendant. When I asked something, it seems my English was misunderstood, which led the cabin manager and a security officer to approach me.”
“A Korean-speaking flight attendant eventually intervened and helped facilitate communication. It was confirmed that there was no issue on my part, and I was able to board and arrive as planned,” she continued.
“Even if it may have been a misunderstanding, several humiliating incidents occurred afterward,” she added.
SOYOU also said, “One of the staff members traveling with me asked for a Korean menu, but was handed one in another language without any explanation. Although the Korean-speaking flight attendant apologized multiple times, I still feel confused and disappointed by everything that happened on board and by the cold attitude that persisted throughout the flight.”
She emphasized that she was not speaking out for compensation or to blame anyone: “I didn’t respond clearly at the time, but I’m not sharing this story to seek compensation or accuse anyone. I simply hope that no one else will have to go through what I experienced.”
On Sunday, SOYOU had shared a photo of her boarding pass on Instagram, claiming she had been subjected to racial discrimination during the flight.
Following her post, an internet user claiming to have been on the same flight stated that SOYOU appeared intoxicated and had refused to eat, adding that the crew had told her she couldn’t board in such a state.
Here is the translation of SOYOU’s Instagram post:
“I would like to restate my position regarding the events that occurred while returning to Korea after completing my schedule in New York.
Before boarding, I only had a small amount of alcohol served with my meal in the lounge, and I boarded without any restrictions or issues during the process.
In addition, to manage my sleep schedule and condition, I always check the meal times after boarding. This time again, after putting away my belongings, I asked a flight attendant to confirm the meal time. However, since my English is not fluent, it was difficult for me to continue the conversation.
Because it was a flight to Korea, I assumed there would be a Korean-speaking crew member. During my request, it seems that my English sentence was mistranslated and misunderstood, leading the cabin manager and a security officer to approach me. A Korean-speaking flight attendant then intervened to facilitate communication. It was confirmed that there was no issue on my part, and I was able to stay on board and arrive as scheduled.
Even if it may have been a misunderstanding, several humiliating situations continued to happen afterward.
While I was walking from my seat to the restroom, I encountered a flight attendant pushing a service cart. She asked me to step to the side of the aisle, which I did, waiting for the cart to pass. However, the cabin manager ordered me in an authoritative tone to ‘get out of here immediately.’ The flight attendant, understanding the situation, explained that she had asked me to stand there, but I received no apology.
Additionally, one of the staff members traveling with me asked for a Korean menu, but was given a menu in another language without any explanation, creating an awkward atmosphere once again.
Although the Korean-speaking flight attendant apologized to me several times for what happened, I still feel confused and disappointed by the cold attitude and distant looks that persisted throughout the flight.
I didn’t clearly express my objection at the time, but I’m not writing this message to seek compensation or to blame anyone. I decided to speak out on social media with the sincere hope that no one else will have to experience what I went through, and that no facts will be distorted or exaggerated.
Lastly, I would like to apologize to the passengers who may have been inconvenienced by what happened on board.”
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS SOYOU
