The 33-year-old actor Byeon Woo Seok is in the news for the activities of his private security team at Incheon International Airport. Public indignation resulted from the squad blocking the entrance and scrutinising citizens’ boarding permits and passports as he was leaving.
Byeon Woo Seok landed at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on July 12 in preparation for a trip to Hong Kong. Other passengers were inconvenienced for around ten minutes when his private security team shut down the entrance. Bystanders were allegedly informed by the security staff, “No one can enter.” Recognize?”
The security firm later claimed, “We discussed airport security beforehand due to potential accidents caused by crowds during the artist’s departure.” However, Incheon Airport officials contradicted this, stating they had no prior discussion with the security firm.
Airport Response
Airport officials made it clear that, as of July 15, they were not aware of any cooperation with the security company. They first stated that it is usual practice to block a gate at Terminal 1 for safety concerns, but they then acknowledged that there was no coordination with regard to the closure of the Gate at Terminal 2.
After checking in at the Korean Air Premium Check-in Counter and blocking the departure gate without permission, Byeon Woo Seok‘s private security crew moved to the secure area. After obtaining boarding cards for themselves, the security team accompanied Byeon into the duty-free area.
Security Team Overreach
Without being authorized by law, the security guards entered the Korean Air Prestige Class Lounge, blocked the escalator, and started examining boarding passes and passports. This measure, more stringent than police identity checks, was regarded as an overreach.
The passport and boarding pass inspections were not coordinated with the airport, Incheon Airport officials said. According to the airport security staff, only immigration officers are permitted to do departure checks, hence they are not authorised to check passenger IDs.
The airport’s callous handling of the situation, which took place in a secure area where alertness against threats is crucial, sparked condemnation. Celebrities supposedly privatising public spaces like airports have been the subject of controversy before.
Previous Controversies
The idol group Seventeen delayed a flight in 2019 by arriving more than an hour later than scheduled. IU and Park Bo Gum starred in the Netflix drama “You Have Done Well,” which garnered criticism for prohibiting citizen photography while it was being filmed.
The Yuyoung Law Office’s Yoo Young Joon said, “This is a clear abuse of authority and potentially constitutes coercion.” The National Human Rights Commission has received a complaint alleging that the private escort team infringe people’s rights. The Commission said, “If there is evidence that Incheon International Airport facilitated the private security firm’s actions and discriminated against general passengers, a thorough investigation will be initiated.”
