Korean Air Business Class: The Tiny Steak Scandal
Picture this: a one‑way ticket that costs as much as a small car,
yet the in‑flight buffet feels like you’re dining in a ketchup‑dripped
snack cabinet. That’s exactly what one disgruntled traveler experienced
on a Seoul‑to‑Honolulu flight with Korean Air’s business cabin.
What Went Wrong?
- Plate size like a credit card: The steak was a rope of beef,
the potatoes a translucent mound, and a half‑cup of wine—no larger.
A photo comparison next to a credit card turned the meal into a
visual joke. - Cheese slicing: “Like sashimi”—thin, dry, and as comforting as
a tofu roll. - No hot towels or wine: The cabin had gone cold, literally and
metaphorically. - Ramen checkout—turned into a “sold out” suspense thriller.
Passengers begged for it, it disappeared, then the rest of the
meal took the spotlight.
Whole Flight Experience in Brief
The passenger’s blog post (in Korean) posted on June 13
revealed that despite booking a business class seat for 6.48
million won, the journey fell flat. Even fellow flyers
could hear the collective sighs of disappointment when the
little turkey of a meal was presented.
Glances from the Crew
One anonymous netizen saying they were a flight attendant replied:
“I’m sorry that the steak was the same size as the potato.” The staff
further admitted feeling shame and trying to keep smiles
on even when the menu was a disappointment.
Why it Matters
- Customers, and even some crew, have started to scrutinize
Korean Air’s service quality amid a post‑COVID tightened budget.
Ticket prices have doubled, yet the amenities see
budget cuts. - One passenger complained about a blanket
request denied with a simple “I cannot” and a tacked‑on
“sorry.” Another was turned down a second glass of
champagne: “no soda.”
With a Glitch in the Meal, the Crew Shines
When the food failed, the crew remained the shining example. The
boarding lady held onto a smile like a mystery how the “at‑risk”
service could hold the other passengers’ dignity intact.
“I finished my food because I understand the challenge the crew faces,”
the review read, cementing the flight as a viral reminder that
service hiccups can happen, but kindness can still win the day.
