Actor Byeon Woo-seok Suffers from 'Excessive Security' Controversy
Airport Controlled and Citizens' Passports Checked
In Contrast, BTS Jin's 'Model Security'
Safe Security Without Contact... Fans Also 'Orderly'
Amid growing controversy over actor Byeon Woo-seok's 'excessive security,' the security detail for Jin, a member of the male idol group BTS, is drawing attention as the 'model of security.'
BTS Jin moving with security (left), ARMY gathered for BTS Jin's torch relay (right). [Source=X (formerly Twitter archive), Yonhap News]
On the 14th (local time) at around 8:20 PM, Jin participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic torch relay. Jin's participation in the torch relay was made possible through the connection with Samsung Electronics, an official sponsor of the Olympics. Thousands of fans gathered more than two hours before the event began, and the barricades were filled with Taegeukgi flags and banners supporting Jin. After facing Jin, fans shouted his real name, 'Kim Seok-jin,' and Jin responded by waving to the fans. The distance Jin ran during the torch relay was approximately 200 meters.
BTS Jin visiting Paris, France for the torch relay, moving under security escort. [Photo by X (formerly Twitter)]
The successful torch relay was made possible by a strong security team ensuring Jin's safety. Although some fans followed the route to see Jin more closely, strict on-site control prevented any accidents. Security personnel linked their arms to form a police line and politely asked fans for their understanding while safely escorting Jin. There was no unnecessary physical contact or use of force during this process, and fans complied with the security staff's guidance, cheering Jin vocally.
Fans of the group BTS gathered near the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, on the 14th (local time) to watch BTS's eldest member Jin participate in the Paris Olympic torch relay. ⓒParis 2024 / Nom du photographe / SIPA PRESS [Provided by the 2024 Paris Olympic Organizing Committee] [Image source=Yonhap News]
The same was true at the departure gate. On the 11th, Jin boarded a flight to Paris, France, for the torch relay. Despite the large number of fans gathered at the airport to see Jin, fewer than ten security personnel were assigned to him. Jin's fans cheered from behind the established safety line, and Jin greeted each fan with a hand wave as he entered the arrival hall.
Airport gate control and passport checks... even Incheon Airport staff shook their heads at the excessive security
Jin's security contrasts sharply with the security surrounding Byeon Woo-seok on the 11th. Byeon Woo-seok used Incheon International Airport to depart for a fan meeting in Hong Kong on the 12th. During the departure process, Byeon Woo-seok's security team arbitrarily controlled the airport gate and blocked access for other passengers. They also checked passports and boarding passes of ordinary travelers in front of the airport escalator and restricted access to the lounge. They even shone strong flashes of light at ordinary citizens. This level of security was criticized as 'excessive security' and severely damaged Byeon Woo-seok's image.
On June 12, fans gathered near the HYBE building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the discharge of BTS member Jin. 2024.6.13 [Provided by Big Hit Music] [Image source=Yonhap News]
The head of security company A, who was in charge at the time, claimed, "The act of checking boarding passes in the airport lounge was coordinated with the airport security guards." In response, Incheon International Airport Corporation immediately denied this, stating, "No such coordination took place." As the controversy grew, some netizens filed complaints with the National Human Rights Commission regarding this incident.
A staff member at Incheon International Airport, A, told Asia Economy, "Many famous celebrities visit the airport, but this is the first time I've seen such a case. Moreover, I've never heard or seen a private security team control an entire airport gate. Although many fans gather to see stars and sometimes cause disturbances, I regret that security was handled in such an excessive manner instead of using other methods."
As the 'excessive security' controversy continued, Byeon Woo-seok's agency, Baro Entertainment, issued a statement on the 15th, saying, "We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to airport users during the security process for actor Byeon Woo-seok at Incheon Airport," and "We sincerely take moral responsibility for all unfortunate incidents during the security process." This apology came three days after the controversy arose.
Mature fan culture contrasted with security guards' 'excessive security'
Disorder issues within airports have been consistently raised, but recently, the 'excessive security' by security personnel has become more controversial. As fan culture matures, cases of fans directly approaching stars or causing harm have significantly decreased compared to the past. The recent case of BTS's Jin exemplifies mature fan culture. BTS's fandom, 'ARMY,' criticizes inappropriate behavior by fans on fan cafes and practices self-regulation. Similarly, fans of actors Kim Soo-hyun and Park Bo-gum line up orderly without causing disturbances when their stars arrive and cheer in an organized manner.
However, despite these efforts by fans, security companies treat fans as 'potential offenders' and provide overly intense protection for stars. While maintaining order and protecting artists at airports is appropriate, there are concerns that such aggressive actions could damage the image of the stars being protected. In December last year, the boy idol group Boy Next Door's security team caused controversy by forcefully pushing a female fan while exiting the airport. In February of the same year, a security guard protecting NCT Dream pushed a female fan, causing a rib fracture that required five weeks of treatment.
Meanwhile, Byeon Woo-seok is scheduled to return to Incheon International Airport today (16th) after completing the '2024 Asia Fan Meeting Tour SUMMER LETTER' fan meeting in Hong Kong. Given the 'excessive security' controversy during his departure, attention is focused on whether the security personnel will demonstrate a more mature approach during his arrival.
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