Incheon International Airport Police Unit, Security Company CEO and Bodyguard Criminally Charged
Suspected Violation of Security Services Act... Coercion and Obstruction of Business Charges Also Under Review
Last month, four people, including the CEO of a private security company, were criminally charged by the police for excessive security measures taken for actor Byeon Woo-seok (33) at Incheon International Airport.
On the 16th, Yonhap News reported, "The Incheon International Airport Police Unit has non-custodially charged A, a CEO in his 40s of a private security company, and three others on suspicion of violating the Security Services Act." Besides A, the other three are known to be two security guards affiliated with the security company and one freelance security guard.
A and the others are suspected of exceeding the scope of security duties by displaying force to other passengers while providing security for Byeon at Incheon Airport on the 12th of last month.
They are accused of violating the Security Services Act by displaying force to other passengers during the security process for Byeon, who visited Incheon International Airport on the 12th of last month to attend an Asia fan meeting tour held in Hong Kong.
At that time, fans flocked to Incheon Airport to see Byeon. In response, the private security guards were reportedly controlling the gates, shining flashes toward passengers near the lounge, and even checking boarding passes.
This incident spread online, sparking controversy over Byeon Woo-seok's "emperor-style security."
According to the Security Services Act, security service providers must not infringe on others' freedom and rights or interfere with legitimate activities while performing security duties. They must not assign security guards (security personnel) to tasks outside the authorized security duties. Security guards are also prohibited from displaying force or using physical power beyond the scope of security duties.
The police plan to review whether to add charges such as coercion or obstruction of business against A and the other three after further investigation. A police official stated, "Recently, we summoned and questioned the security company personnel as suspects," adding, "We will finalize additional charges when the case is later sent to the prosecution."
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