Flashlight Directed at People... Byun Woo-seok's Security Firm Fined for Excessive Protection Controversy

Excessive Security with Flashlights Sparks Power Abuse Controversy
Court: "Other Methods Should Have Been Used to Prevent Filming"

Photos sparking controversy over actor Byun Woo-seok's "excessive security." Screenshot from X.

The private security guard and security company involved in the controversy over excessive security for actor Byun Woo-seok (34) at Incheon International Airport last year have been fined.

On October 2, Judge Shin Heungho of the Incheon District Court’s Criminal Division 6 announced that he had imposed a fine of 1 million won each on security guard A (44) and security company B, who were indicted on charges of violating the Security Services Act.

On July 12 last year at 11:42 a.m., A was accused of exceeding the scope of security duties by shining a strong flashlight at other passengers while protecting Byun at Incheon International Airport. At the time, Byun was departing for an Asia fan meeting tour in Hong Kong. As crowds of fans caused congestion, private security guards reportedly controlled the gate. The incident sparked controversy as it spread through social media.

The court stated, “Shining a flashlight constitutes the use of physical force and does not fall within the legitimate scope of security work. The person under protection did not use the airport discreetly to avoid those following him, but instead carried out his schedule publicly.”

The court further pointed out, “If the intention was to prevent filming, other methods could have been used, such as keeping the schedule private, wearing a mask, or using less crowded areas.” The court added, “Byun, on the contrary, exposed his schedule and moved through areas where fans had gathered as if holding a fan meeting. A shone light at people who did not appear to pose any particular risk, stimulating their eyes simply because they were filming with their phones.”

However, the court explained the sentencing by stating, “Before this incident, the defendant does not appear to have engaged in similar conduct and has pledged not to do so again. There is also no record of prior punishment for similar offenses.”

Following this incident, controversy arose over so-called “power abuse” by celebrities at airports. Incheon International Airport Corporation informed entertainment agencies that celebrities could use exclusive entrances typically reserved for crew members when departing, but withdrew the plan after criticism that it constituted an unfair privilege compared to ordinary passengers.