Police prevented the departure of a man in his 60s who was set to leave for Switzerland, where euthanasia is allowed, by persuading him until just before the aircraft took off.

The Incheon International Airport Police Unit announced on the 10th that on the 9th they had Mr. A, who was attempting to fly to Paris, France on a Korean Air passenger jet, disembark and sent him safely home.

The family of Mr. A called 112 that day, saying, “Mr. A, who has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, is attempting to leave the country for the purpose of euthanasia.” After receiving the report, police met Mr. A at Incheon Airport around 10 a.m. that day, but, as he said, “I intend to travel to Switzerland,” they could not stop his departure.

However, at about 11:50 a.m., 15 minutes before takeoff, they received word that the family of Mr. A had found a letter similar to a will containing the words ‘sorry’. In response, police persuaded Mr. A, who had completed boarding procedures and was seated in his aircraft seat, to disembark.

It was determined that Mr. A had planned to go to Switzerland via Paris.

In Switzerland, euthanasia in which a physician directly administers drugs to a patient is illegal, but assisted suicide, in which a patient self-administers medication with a physician’s help, is permitted.

A police official said, “It seems Mr. A boarded the plane both to travel in Switzerland and to learn more about euthanasia.”