Caveat Emptor
Remarkable how some posters are attempting to shoot down those that wish to alert others of not just pitfalls, but gaping holes.
If a potential candidate for KAL wants to know how it all works up there before signing on (yes, we're talking about me here), he contacts the prospective crewing agency and asks to be put in contact with some of the fellas on the agency's books that're based in the port that'd be on the contract: Europe, the US, Australia etc.
Every single one of the blokes I contacted and spoke with at length told stories of equal measure to the one being thrown about by Catdance. One of the blokes spoke of how, during the KAL training, he was made to feel he'd never flown a plane before in his life. This after 15 years training at one of the world's oldest airlines. None of them had an axe to grind. They all work for KAL.
Who else does one poll for an insight into what goes on at KAL? We all ask questions before making a decision on something. The agency. Yes, you ask the agency, and there are some honest people in honest outfits out there, two of whom have three letters to their company's name. One of these companies may start with the letter C whilst another may start with the letter G.
Good guys, no doubt about it. But they're in the business of sending out pilots to an airline, not spoon feeding you into making a decision. Information is all you'll get, and it wasn't recommended to leave a good job for KAL. That may not be what everyone wants to hear, but it's what is passed on by 'honest' agents. You can rule Ri-----th out completely on this one!
Honest enough comment from some straight shooters; so why leave the good job you've got to go suck a lemon in Korea? Is commuting home 12 days a month THAT important?
Be warned.