Korean Airways CEO arrested in Busan

[Tujue]

SEOUL - The CEO of Korean Airways has been arrested today in Busan. The airline had ordered fourteen Ilyushin Il-18 turboprop aircraft for its longer range destinations, of which the first batch has been delivered in the previous months. The aircraft were secretly flown into Busan and parked until yesterday, when the airline announced the first destinations with the new aircraft type. Upon hearing the news, government secret service officers stormed the Korean Airways office in Busan and arrested the CEO and other high ranking officials.

This move is in line with president Rhee's hardline anti-communist and pro-American views. Early on in his presidency, his government put down a communist uprising on Jeju Island and the Mungyeong and Bodo League massacres were committed against suspected communist sympathisers. Since the president wishes to have the Korean peninsula reunited by force, until today, he refuses to sign the armistice agreement with the DPRK. The economy of Republic of Korea is lagging behind DPRK and the country is heavily reliant on US aid. Despite protests, Rhee has removed the two-term limit after pushing to modify the constitution. He was reelected uncontested earlier this month, in which the managing directors of Korean Airways complained about the situation in its onboard magazine.

As for now, commercial operations with the Ilyushin Il-18 have been resumed after a short stop.