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Photo = Korean Air |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, South Korea – June 11, 2025 — Korean Air is facing public criticism and potential regulatory scrutiny after implementing a new economy seat layout and expanding paid premium services on its long-haul fleet, just months after completing its merger with Asiana Airlines.
The controversy centers around the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, which are primarily used on long-haul routes to North America and Europe. Korean Air has begun reconfiguring the economy cabin from a 3-3-3 layout to a more densely packed 3-4-3 configuration, increasing seat capacity by up to 37 seats per aircraft. However, this change reduces individual seat width and legroom by approximately 1 inch (2.6 cm), prompting concerns over passenger comfort and a decline in service quality.
Critics have raised concerns that this move could violate remedial conditions imposed by South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) during its approval of the Korean Air–Asiana merger. Specifically, the KFTC stipulated that the airline must not worsen service levels or in-flight amenities compared to 2019 standards. Although exceptions exist for aircraft type changes or fare-based service adjustments, the new seat configuration is being closely watched.
A KFTC official stated, “In principle, airlines must not reduce seat spacing compared to 2019. If violations are confirmed, Korean Air could face corrective measures for noncompliance.”
This is not the first time Korean Air has faced backlash over perceived attempts to increase profitability post-merger. In December 2023, the airline retracted plans to charge extra for extra legroom and front-row domestic seats just hours after announcing them, following public outcry. A proposed mileage program overhaul was also scrapped the same year due to widespread criticism.
In addition to the economy seat reconfiguration, Korean Air plans to introduce a new premium economy class and has begun charging for previously complimentary first-class "Cosmo Zone" seats, which were traditionally offered to top-tier business class passengers. Prices for these upgraded seats reportedly range from KRW 200,000 to KRW 1.2 million ($150–$900), sparking further debate over the airline's evolving approach to customer service.
As Korean Air moves to finalize integration with Asiana, regulators and consumers alike are closely monitoring whether the airline’s post-merger strategies align with fair competition standards and consumer protection guidelines.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
