Asiana Airlines (OZ, Seoul Incheon) has withdrawn an appeal challenging a finding that it had unfairly terminated a catering contract with LSG Sky Chef Korea. The airline's January 23, 2024, corporate filing confirmed the end of the Seoul District Central Court matter. The filing did not give a reason for Asiana's decision to end proceedings.

LSG's long-running catering contract was abruptly terminated by Asiana in 2017 after the caterer declined to buy warrants issued by another entity owned by Asiana's parent company. The matter went on to become a significant national scandal. Among other outcomes, LSG filed a lawsuit against Asiana in 2018, saying the airline had violated its contract.

In August 2023, the court upheld some of LSG's claims, awarding it KRW18.27 billion won (USD13.7 million), plus interest and costs. Asiana appealed this decision in September.

"Our company decided to withdraw the appeal today (January 23) and the lawsuit has been concluded," this week's filing reads. "Interest and litigation costs will be included in the final payment."

Separately, Asiana lost an October 2023 appeal attempting to overturn a financial penalty and correction order imposed by the Fair Trade Commission concerning the cancelled contract and Asiana's conduct. The Fair Trade Commission imposed a corrective order and KRW2.8 billion (USD2.1 million) fine on Asiana after finding it encouraged LSG (and the caterer who took over the contract) to buy the zero-interest bonds. Refusing to purchase the bonds, Asiana complained to the Fair Trade Commission after losing the contract. Asiana went on to unsuccessfully appeal the investigation's outcome and penalties all the way to South Korea's top court.