[Reporter's Notebook] 'Runway' Airport Departure Halls Put Safety Last

War Zone on K-Star Departure Routes: Safety Blind Spots
A Need for Coordination Among Airports, Agencies, Government, and Fans

The short stretch walked by K-pop idols is now trailed by expensive equipment and sponsorships. Crowds gather, but it is unclear who is responsible for safety. At some point, airport departure halls have been transformed into a “stage of desire” in pursuit of profit.

Domestic and international fashion brands and fansite operators (known as “homma”) move in close coordination around the stars. When a star appears at the departure hall wearing sponsored products, homma photograph them, turn the images into merchandise, and the products are consumed as “airport fashion” content, quickly selling out. While passageways are blocked and commotion grows, these parties profit in various ways. The burden of handling the chaotic scene falls on ordinary fans and citizens.

Some argue that this phenomenon should be embraced as part of an active fan culture. However, it has long surpassed the stage that can be explained by pure fandom alone. Some homma secure stars’ schedules in advance, trade information, buy and refund airline tickets, and bring cameras even into duty-free zones. It is difficult to label them as “fans.”

Behind the glamorous stage of K-culture, which is celebrated worldwide, there are structural issues obscured by the drive for profit. Major overseas airports already treat the movement of stars as a security issue, institutionalizing systems for separating routes, controlling crowd density, and coordinating schedules in advance.

In contrast, Korea still relies on old practices and only takes action after the fact. If this lax approach continues, the image of “K-culture” could be shattered by even a minor accident. What is urgently needed is not a one-off measure to prevent possible incidents. A working-level consultative body involving the government, airports, entertainment agencies, and fandom representatives should be established, with a manual for advance sharing of departure schedules and criteria for separating movement routes. Setting up designated fan waiting areas, introducing congestion detection systems, and establishing clear standards for private security personnel are also necessary.

Institutionalizing order and safety will further elevate the dignity and international credibility of K-culture.

Are we not simply covering up the risk of major accidents with the word “culture,” while leaving crowds unchecked even today? Culture has now become one of Korea’s leading industries. Sustainable and safe management is essential, and the cultural industry is no exception.