A public dispute between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Incheon International Airport President Lee Hag-jae has escalated over a controversial proposal to manually search 100% of passenger baggage for hidden cash. The conflict, which began during a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport work report on December 12, 2025, centers on the president’s concern about money laundering through commercial flights—specifically, concealing large sums of currency inside books as bookmarks.
The Core of the Dispute
President Lee Jae-myung directed the airport president to implement full manual baggage checks to detect hidden cash. The airport president immediately countered, stating that such a measure would effectively paralyze airport operations. His response triggered a public rebuke from the president, who questioned his competency and commitment.
The airport president later clarified his position, explaining that illegal currency smuggling falls under customs jurisdiction, not the airport’s primary security duties (which focus on hazardous materials like weapons and flammable items). He also pointed out that even long-term employees are unaware of bookmark cash smuggling detection protocols unless they work in security.
Why This Matters
The conflict isn’t just about security procedures; it highlights a broader political tension. The airport president was appointed under a previous administration and is a former lawmaker from an opposing party. Critics suggest the president’s proposal was intended to embarrass his counterpart rather than address a real security threat.
The Feasibility Question
The feasibility of the proposal is questionable at best. Even under ideal conditions, Incheon Airport already faces security and immigration delays. A 100% manual search would grind operations to a halt. Moreover, international travelers can legally carry up to $10,000 in cash without reporting it, making large-scale smuggling via books impractical.
“Implementing the 100% baggage opening inspection proposed by the president as a solution would paralyze the airport.” – Incheon Airport President Lee Hag-jae.
Conclusion
The feud between South Korea’s president and the airport president demonstrates a clash between political posturing and operational reality. The proposal to manually search every bag is unrealistic, likely intended as a power play rather than a genuine security measure. The situation raises questions about the true priorities of the administration and whether this dispute is more about politics than passenger safety.
