HONOLULU — Authorities say a Japan-bound airplane returned to Hawaii because of a violent passenger who wanted to do yoga instead of sit in his seat.
The FBI says in a criminal complaint the pilot of the March 26 flight turned the plane around after hearing that Hyongtae Pae was yelling at crew members and shoving his wife.
Pae told the FBI he didn’t want to sit in his seat during the meal service, so he went to the back of the plane to do yoga and meditate. He refused to return to his seat.
Prosecutors say Pae tried to head-butt and bite Marine passengers who restrained him.
Defense attorney J.T. Kim said Wednesday that Pae was sleep-deprived and anxious. He had traveled to Hawaii from South Korea to celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary.
JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER