Byeon Woo Seok’s security team is under fire for excessive measures taken at the airport, which included checking lounge passengers’ tickets and controlling gates, sparking a controversy over intrusive security practices. The security company has since apologized, stating, “We deeply regret any inconvenience caused to the public.”
The incident occurred on July 12th as Byeon Woo Seok departed for Hong Kong for his ‘2024 Asia Fan Meeting Tour – Summer Letter.” Fans and media flocked to Incheon International Airport to catch a glimpse of the actor, who gained popularity from the recently concluded tvN drama Lovely Runner.
Videos circulating on social media show security staff blocking gates and announcing, “Byeon Woo Seok will enter through here later. The gate will be blocked for 10 minutes. No one, including reporters, is allowed to enter during that time.”
One netizen, who was using the same lounge as the Lovely Runner star, posted a video showing a security guard flashing lights at passengers. Although no one attempted to approach or physically contact the actor, the guard suddenly flashed the light at people present in the lounge.
Moreover, reports surfaced that the security team checked passengers’ tickets near the lounge escalator, further fueling the fire.
Critics have pointed out that such extreme measures were unnecessary in a public place like the airport, and criticism was directed at Byeon Woo Seok. In response, the security company’s representative told News1 and other outlets, “Byeon Woo Seok’s agency did not request such extreme measures.”
Regarding the gate control, the security company representative explained, “It is not feasible to block a gate for 10 minutes. We coordinated with the airport security team and made the final arrangements with the airport security force. This was communicated as a preventive measure against safety incidents.” He added, “Our company has been handling security duties for several years. We never unilaterally impose measures on fans and journalists. All information was communicated in advance.”
The representative also clarified, “The decision to check tickets was made in collaboration with the airport security team because many people without tickets were trying to enter the lounge area.”
However, regarding the incident of flashing lights at passengers, he admitted, “It was clearly a mistake by the security guard and an inappropriate action,” and offered an apology.
In response, an official from the Incheon International Airport Corporation’s public relations office commented on the matter, saying, “The gate in question refers to the gate used by airport buses, not the immigration gate. These entry gates can be controlled by the airport security team when famous celebrities or sports players are arriving or departing. This was the case when Shohei Ohtani visited Korea.”
However, the official added, “When Byeon Woo Seok was departing, the actions taken by the private security company, such as checking airline tickets in the lounge, were not coordinated with the airport security team. The airport security team also does not have the authority to arbitrarily inspect passengers’ IDs or airline tickets. I do not understand why the security company made such explanations.”
The issue of overreaching security measures for celebrities has been a recurring topic. Last year, an NCT Dream security guard was prosecuted for pushing a female fan at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, causing a rib fracture. BOYNEXTDOOR’s security team also apologized after the rough handling of a female fan during filming, and at an &TEAM fan signing event, excessive body searches by security raised eyebrows.
Source (1)