“Release the CCTV Footage”: Controversy Over Pet Dog’s Death in Korean Air Cargo Hold [What Do You Think?]

[Financial News] Controversy over responsibility continues after a pet dog transported in Korean Air’s cargo hold was found dead shortly after arrival. The airline says there were no problems with the transport conditions, while the owner is demanding the release of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and transportation and handover records.

On the 4th, the Chinese owner, identified as A, repeatedly posted messages demanding the release of relevant records, saying that the pet dog, Bubble, died during transportation by Korean Air.
A boarded Korean Air flight KE868 from Guangzhou to Incheon International Airport with the Golden Retriever. Under the airline’s operating regulations, the dog was placed in the cargo hold.
A questioned why it took about two hours from the time the dog was unloaded from the aircraft until she was able to check its condition. She said she waited at the transfer counter immediately after landing but did not know where the dog was for nearly two hours.
“I entrusted them with a living dog, but what was returned to me a few hours later was a body,” he said. “I want to know when the problem occurred and when the dog died, whether anyone checked its breathing or heartbeat, and whether any attempt was made to save it.”
A said she had requested CCTV footage, transportation and handover records, employee reports, and medical records from Korean Air. She reportedly also said she would accept the airline’s position if evidence confirmed that it was not responsible.

As the controversy grew, Korean Air said on its official social media account on the 7th, “When flight KE868 from Guangzhou arrived in Incheon and the door was opened, the pet dog was found already dead inside its kennel.”
It added, “Other pets were also on the flight, and the onboard conditions required for transportation had been properly maintained without any abnormalities,” explaining that “the other pets had no health problems.” Korean Air said it explained the circumstances at the time of discovery to the owner that day and was checking on additional inquiries.
Even after the airline’s announcement, A continues to demand a specific explanation, saying that she still does not know the cause of death. “Please provide a concrete explanation, not a response saying that it is ‘under review,’” she said.
Internet users who heard the story responded, “The owner has the right to know the truth about what happened,” and “The airline must clearly explain why the dog died.”
Others said it would be difficult to hold the airline responsible, commenting, “Most airlines require passengers to sign a waiver and will not transport pets without consent,” and “It is questionable whether ground-handling staff are required to check the condition of every pet inside its kennel.”


[email protected] Seong Min-seo Reporter