In response to recent controversies surrounding excessive security measures during celebrity arrivals and departures, Incheon International Airport is set to tighten its oversight of private security companies. This decision comes two months after an incident involving actor Byeon Woo Seok, which sparked public concern and criticism.

Strengthening Security Protocols

On September 3 KST, Representative Jeon Yong Gi of the National Assembly’s Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Committee announced that the Incheon International Airport Corporation plans to introduce a “detailed response manual for handling celebrity arrivals and departures” by the end of this month. This initiative aims to prevent similar incidents in the future by addressing the flaws in the current security protocols.

The airport authority identified two primary issues contributing to the Byeon Woo Seok incident:

• Inadequate information sharing leading to insufficient on-site response.
• Insufficient control over private security companies.

These private security companies, though responsible for on-site security activities within the airport, often operate independently of the airport’s direct supervision, as they are regulated by the police. This lack of coordination has made it challenging for airport authorities to intervene effectively in real-time.

New Security Measures

The new manual outlines specific procedures for managing crowds during celebrity arrivals and departures:

• If a crowd of 300 to 500 people gathers, airport police will oversee the scene and ensure order.
• If more than 500 people are present, airport police will take additional measures to protect passenger safety and enhance on-site control.

Furthermore, the airport police will now have the authority to intervene directly if a private security company is found acting inappropriately. In cases involving serious illegal activities, such as property damage, the airport will pursue legal actions, including filing complaints or lawsuits.

Byeon Woo Seok Airport Incident

The controversy in question occurred in July when Byeon Woo Seok was departing for Hong Kong from Incheon International Airport to attend a fan meeting. The incident involved security guards who, despite the absence of any physical threat, reportedly shone bright flashlights at general passengers and checked their flight tickets, which led to accusations of excessive security measures.

The security company responsible later admitted in an interview that “the act of shining flashlights was a mistake,” and promised to “provide internal training to prevent such incidents from happening again.” Byeon Woo Seok’s agency, Baro Entertainment, also issued an apology, stating:

“While we were not aware of the specific security measures at the gate, ticket checks, or on-site details, we feel a moral responsibility for any discomfort caused by the security process and sincerely apologize to those affected.”

This incident has prompted a re-evaluation of security practices at Incheon International Airport, leading to the current efforts to enhance coordination and control over private security operations.

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