Why ex-police officials keep taking charge of Korea Airports Corp.

Korea Airports Corp. (KAC) has a history of appointing former police officials as its top executives, with security concerns taking priority over aviation and management expertise, according to industry officials. The latest instance is the appointment of Kim Won-joon, a former chief of the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, as KAC's 14th president.

This trend has led to questions about why KAC continues to favor security officials for its most senior position. Kim joins a line of KAC presidents with police backgrounds, including a former military general and an intelligence official. The pattern is believed to stem from the unique nature of airports. Industry officials explained that airports are not just aviation hubs, but are also closely tied to national security, which is why security experts with police experience are often chosen to lead the organization.