"If You Pay 600 Won, I'll Tell You the Star's Arrival Time"... A New Industry Trending in China

China Faces Safety Concerns at Airport Due to Crowding Fans
Illegal Sale of Flight Ticket Information Widespread
Public Security Bureau Warns "Strict Punishment Will Be Enforced"

Incheon Airport Terminal 1. Photo unrelated to the article. Source=Yonhap News

In China, the actions of fans who buy and sell celebrity flight information, disrupting airport order, have emerged as a social issue.

In July, amid controversy over actor Byeon Woo-seok's excessive security at Incheon Airport, similar incidents occurred in China where celebrity fans caused congestion at airports. Some fans engaged in irrational behavior by buying and selling the boarding times and seat numbers of famous entertainers for money, causing concern for Chinese public security authorities.

When celebrities appear at airports for overseas departures, numerous fans gather and disrupt order. The problem is that airports prioritize safety and security, and such disruptions hinder the movement of other passengers and can lead to accidents. In China, this issue surfaced in connection with the 2024 Paris Olympics. Large crowds flocked to airports to see athletes, resulting in various safety problems. In particular, badminton star Wang Chang was surrounded by people upon his return, unable to walk properly, and was chased by fans until the moment he boarded his vehicle.

Earlier, China announced last month that it would strengthen crackdowns on behaviors that could cause safety accidents at airports. The Public Security Bureau stated, "This year, many illegal cases causing public order disturbances have been detected. Individual actions should not affect others' privacy or airport order," adding, "At airports, which are transportation hubs crowded with many people, dangerous behavior by fans can block passageways and cause crushes. Violators will be punished according to the law." In fact, the Beijing Capital International Airport Public Security Bureau fined five celebrity fans 200 yuan (about 39,000 KRW) each in June for disrupting airport order.

Additionally, the buying and selling of celebrity flight information in China has reportedly grown into an industry of considerable scale. Sellers often provide accommodation details and personal information at low prices. Recently, the Public Security Bureau Internet Security Unit of Ningdu County, Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, announced the arrest of an individual identified as A for trading celebrity flight information on social networking services (SNS) on charges of personal information infringement. Investigations revealed that from October last year to April this year, A sold flight ticket information issued to celebrities for 3 to 6 yuan per transaction (approximately 600 to 1,100 KRW). He conducted over 800 transactions, earning more than 4,000 yuan in profit.

However, such illegal activities are known to be difficult to resolve because the information is easily accessible and prices are low. In response, the Chinese Public Security Bureau warned, "Purchasing celebrities' personal information not only invades privacy but also fosters a culture of illegal activities," and stated, "The Public Security Bureau will adhere to the principle of 'comprehensive detection, comprehensive investigation, and strict punishment' regarding this phenomenon."