A 60-year-vintage man intending to travel to Switzerland for assisted suicide was dissuaded by police and reunited with his family on February 9, 2026, at Incheon International Airport. The man, identified as A, had a flight scheduled for 12:05 PM to Paris, with the intention of continuing onward to Switzerland, where assisted suicide is permitted under certain conditions.
The incident began when A’s family reported to police at approximately 9:30 AM on February 9th, stating their father planned to end his life abroad. A had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and irreversible lung disease, and was preparing to seek medical assistance in ending his life. Police initially questioned A at the airport, but allowed him to proceed towards his flight after he stated he was simply taking a final trip.
However, after A’s family discovered a farewell letter expressing his intentions, authorities intervened more decisively. Police delayed the departure of the Paris-bound flight and removed A from the aircraft. A prolonged negotiation, led by a police officer of similar age to A, ultimately convinced the man to return home with his family. According to police, the officer established a rapport with A through extended conversation.
Switzerland permits assisted suicide, where a doctor can provide a patient with the means to end their own life, but does not allow euthanasia, where a doctor directly administers a lethal substance. The process requires a patient to be of sound mind and to build a voluntary and informed decision. The man’s intended route involved traveling through Paris to reach Switzerland, where such services are available to foreign nationals.
The case has ignited debate in South Korea regarding end-of-life choices and the legal status of assisted suicide. Online discussions have highlighted the conflict between an individual’s “right to die” and the state’s “right to intervene.” Some argue that individuals suffering from incurable and debilitating illnesses should have the autonomy to choose the timing and manner of their death, while others maintain that all possible measures should be taken to preserve life.
Pulmonary fibrosis, the condition from which A suffers, causes progressive scarring of the lungs, making breathing increasingly difficult. There is currently no cure for the disease, although treatments can slow its progression.
As of February 12, 2026, A remains with his family, and the Incheon International Airport Police Unit has not released further details regarding the case. No further statements have been issued regarding potential legal or policy changes related to assisted suicide.
