A controversy surrounding IVE member Jang Wonyoung‘s behavior at Gimpo International Airport has led to a formal complaint being filed with the Korea Airports Corporation.
When contacted by TENASIA regarding the issue, airport officials said they could not disclose the specific details of the complaint due to privacy regulations. However, they confirmed that there were no procedural issues during Jang Wonyoung’s identity verification process before departure.
An official told TENASIA, “The process was carried out in accordance with regulations.” They added, “If you watch the video, Jang Wonyoung lowered her mask twice. She also didn’t need to completely remove her hat. Staff only need to confirm that the person matches the passport photo. The way airport personnel request verification may vary depending on the situation and the staff member involved.”
According to previous reports, the complaint was not intended to criticize Jang Wonyoung personally. Instead, it was filed to seek clarification regarding airport identity verification procedures and whether they are being applied consistently.
The complaint was reportedly submitted on June 15th to the Security Management Department of the Gimpo Airport Operations Division under the Korea Airports Corporation. It called for clearer standards and official guidance regarding identity verification procedures at the international departure terminal of Gimpo International Airport.
The complainant pointed out that passengers at Incheon International Airport are specifically instructed to remove items such as masks, hats and sunglasses during identity checks. Based on this, the complaint questioned whether airports operated by the Korea Airports Corporation follow the same standards and whether passengers are adequately informed of those requirements through official guidance.
The complainant also argued that “if there are security procedures passengers are required to follow, that information should be easily accessible to the public.” The complaint also requested that the corporation disclose the specific regulations, responsible departments and legal basis for requiring passengers to remove masks or hats during identity verification.
In addition, the complaint requested confirmation that the same security procedures are applied equally to all travelers, regardless of their status or public profile, including politicians, business leaders and celebrities.
The Korea Airports Corporation is expected to review and respond to the complaint by June 23rd.
Meanwhile, Jang Wonyoung was recently announced as an MC for the 2025 Asia Artist Awards, marking her sixth consecutive year hosting the event.
UPDATE:
The controversy surrounding IVE member Jang Wonyoung’s behavior during the departure screening process has had an unexpected ripple effect, leading to institutional changes in how the Korea Airports Corporation provides guidance to travelers.
According to a report by Sports Kyunghyang on June 16th, the Korea Airports Corporation announced that it is moving forward with plans to strengthen identity verification guidance for departing passengers by revising information provided through its official website and other airport guidance systems.
A corporation official stated, “We are reviewing measures to strengthen the information provided regarding departure procedures, and we plan to move forward with those changes.”
The decision comes after the corporation reviewed public opinion and complaints related to Jang Won Young’s identity verification process at Gimpo International Airport and began preparing measures to address the issue.
>> Jang Wonyoung’s Allegedly Rude Airport Interaction Sparks Online Debate
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