Korean Air Lines announced the suspension of senior vice president Cho Hyun-min on Monday after her alleged abusive behaviour sparked a public backlash.

In a statement, the airline said it will take appropriate action after the police probe into the incident was completed.

According to media reports, Cho, the youngest daughter of chairman Cho Yang-ho of Hanjin Group, which owns the national carrier, had thrown water on an advertising agency manager.

"I was foolish, I am sorry," the 35-year-old had earlier told reporters.

Cho's elder sister Cho Hyun-ah made headlines in 2014 for "nut rage" after she was upset over the way she was served macadamia nuts in first class.