[Yonhap Photo]
SEOUL -- The scandal-stricken wife of Hanjin Group owner Cho Yang-ho was banned from leaving abroad Wednesday pending a police investigation into allegations that she has verbally and physically assaulted company employees, housekeepers, flight attendants and others.
Police said Lee Myung-hee, 69, would be summoned for questioning, based on tips and testimonies from Hanjin employees. A video disclosed by an insider last month showed her shouting and violently pushing a worker around on top of a hotel building in 2014 when it was remodeled.
The video sparked numerous revelations and allegations by whistle-blowers, fanning public anger at misconduct and arrogant behaviors by the group's ruling family.
The group issued a lengthy statement which apologized for Lee's misconduct in the 2014 incident but denied her alleged involvement one by one in 17 other cases at her home and other places. "She was criticized for her mistake, but there were groundless or excessive allegations," it said.
Referring to a case at a Hanjin hotel, the group argued that Lee did not fire or beat hotel employees. Cho's family was also accused of bringing in foreign luxury goods without paying duties through a legitimate loophole at airports.
In its statement on Wednesday, the group dismissed such allegations, insisting Lee and other family members have purchased fruits and life necessities occasionally through secretaries. "This will be evident through an investigation."
The scandal snowballed due to Cho Hyun-min, who uses her English name Cho Emily Lee, who allegedly threw a glass cup and sprayed plum juice during a business meeting with advertising agency officials on March 16. She has told investigators that she lost her temper because the advertising official did not properly answer her questions.
Emily made a series of apologies for her "foolish and imprudent" behavior, but public fury has been fanned by additional disclosures about her arrogant behavior and insulting remarks at a number of private and business meetings.
Cho Hyun-ah, the elder sister, was known for her "nut rage" tantrum in December 2014 when a flight attendant served her macadamia nuts in a bag, rather than on a plate, on board a flight from New York. The two daughters lost their posts in Korean Air and other Hanjin Group units.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
