Court Releases Former Korean Air VP Sentenced in 'Nut Rage' Incident

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 10:28 AM ET, Fri May 22, 2015

Former Korean Air executive Heather Cho, infamous for her role in last year's "nut rage" incident, was released from jail on Friday after an appeals court suspended her sentence.

According to CNN, Seoul's High Court shortened her sentence to 10 months and released her on two years' probation.

Prosecutors can still appeal the verdict, but they'll have only a week to decide whether to move forward.

Cho, the daughter of Korean Air chairman Cho Yang-ho, was behind bars following an incident that occurred last December aboard an international flight at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. Cho, who was working for the airline at the time, demanded the Korean Air flight return to the gate after a flight attendant served her macadamia nuts in a bag instead of on a plate.

Cho became outraged and attempted to use her status with company to have the crew member removed from the flight.

Both Cho and her father issued public apologies for the tantrum and the former resigned from her vice president position just days after.

She was sentenced back in February after a judge ruled that her actions "threatened the development of the aviation industry and inconvenienced passengers" and thus violated aviation law.

The two years' probation means that Cho could be sent back to jail for another offense.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...
Upcoming Webinar
New B2B Booking Platform for Travel AdvisorsWednesday, October 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Japan Airlines Vacations, the official vacation program of Japan Airlines, is launching a dedicated...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 2Friday, October 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Watch Now!
Designed Together. Beyond Expectations. Discover Luxury Japan with BOUTIQUE JTBOctober 9, 2026Japan continues to captivate discerning travelers seeking authentic culture, extraordinary cuisine,...