Asiana airlines sued over burns

Asiana Airlines Inc., South Korea's second-largest flag carrier, has been sued for allegedly causing serious burns to a female passenger on board one of its planes last year.

The passenger in her mid-30s, identified only by her last name Jang, has filed a lawsuit seeking 200 million won (US$171,000) in damages from the airline and a flight attendant on board the plane from Incheon, South Korea's main gateway west of Seoul, to Paris on March 17 last year, according to Jang's attorney.

During the flight, Jang asked the flight attendant to bring her some instant noodles. While serving the food, the flight attendant spilt the noodles on the lower part of Jang's body, according to the attorney.

Jang was later diagnosed with second- and third-degree burns on her lower abdomen, thighs and reproductive organs.

Jang, a former supermodel who also ran a bakery, has accused the airline of failing to provide appropriate medical help and causing physical and psychological stress.

"I had been planning to continue my career in broadcasting, fashion and hair design, using my physical beauty as my strength, but that's become impossible because of the hideous burns," Jang said. "I can't continue work at the bakery either because I have developed an extreme fear of working near 800-degree hot ovens."

   Asiana has offered compensation of some 61 million won to cover Jang's medical expenses, arguing that the passenger accidentally knocked over the tray on which the noodles were placed.

It also has claimed that it took appropriate emergency measures under the instructions of a doctor who was on board the plane.