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Korean Air cabin crew chief planning to file $46.3 million lawsuit in the United States

Korean Air executive Cho Hyun-ah allegedly forced Park to strike his knuckles into a digital tablet while seeking his apology, and Park has told the South Korean press he has lost more than 15 pounds since the incident.

By Elizabeth Shim
Korean Air cabin crew chief Park Chang-jin said the chronic stress brought about in the aftermath of the 'Nut Rage' incident has led to his hospitalization. Photo by Yonhap
Korean Air cabin crew chief Park Chang-jin said the chronic stress brought about in the aftermath of the 'Nut Rage' incident has led to his hospitalization. Photo by Yonhap

SEOUL, May 1 (UPI) -- A Korean Air cabin crew chief forced to kneel before a Korean Air executive, after a flight attendant served macadamia nuts in a plastic bag, is planning to file a lawsuit in the United States claiming $46.3 million in damages.

In the on-flight incident dubbed "Nut Rage," Park Chang-jin and his colleague were ordered to kneel and beg for forgiveness. The executive, Cho Hyun-ah, then ordered the flight to taxi back to the gate of John F. Kennedy Airport in New York.

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On Wednesday, a source close to Park said Park is filing a lawsuit in a New York district court, and that he is seeking at least $46.3 million in damages, reported the Korea Economic Daily.

Recently, Cho had deposited $92,600 for each plaintiff for damages incurred with the Seoul Western District Court, but Yonhap reported neither Park nor Kim claimed the money.

Park's colleague Kim Do-hee sued Korean Air in March in a Queens county court in New York.

In February Cho was sentenced to one year in prison for her in-flight temper tantrum, but in April prosecutors appealing the decision requested Cho's prison sentence be extended to three years.

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On Wednesday a contact close to Park said Park is pursuing a separate lawsuit for damages related to workplace injury.

Cho allegedly forced Park to strike his knuckles into a digital tablet while seeking his apology, and Park has told the South Korean press he has lost more than 15 pounds in the aftermath of the incident and the chronic stress brought about in its aftermath has led to hospitalization.

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