"Lovely Runner" Star Byeon Woo Seok's "Excessive Security" Controversy: Full Details Inside

Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC), South Korea, states they will devise countermeasures to prevent future controversies like the one involving actor Byeon Woo Seok's "excessive security". 

Lovely Runner fame Byeon Woo Seok was embroiled in controversy on July 12 during his departure to Hong Kong for an Asia fan meeting tour, where security personnel from a private agency is reported to have employed excessive security.

At that time, the security controlled the airport gate for 10 minutes to block the crowd, used strong flashes to prevent lounge users from taking pictures, and checked passengers' flight tickets and passports, sparking controversy.

On July 15, Byeon Woo Seok's agency, Baro Entertainment, stated, "We requested the security personnel to stop using flash toward airport users once we became aware." They apologized, "We were not able to observe the gate, airline tickets, and security situation on site, but we feel a moral responsibility for any unpleasant incidents during the course of security operations, and we bow our heads in apology to all passengers who felt uncomfortable."

On July 16, Incheon International Airport Police initiated an investigation into whether Byeon Woo Seok's security guards' actions fell under violation of laws related to obstruction of business, coercion, and assault.

But the controversy seems to have escalated as it became a topic of discussion at the National Assembly's plenary session. 

During the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee plenary session on July 17, IIAC President Lee Hak Jae responded to questions from Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) lawmaker Jeon Yong Gi regarding the recent controversy over Byeon Woo Seok's "excessive security" at Incheon Airport.

The lawmaker asked, "Who is responsible for the controversy? What was inadequate at Incheon Airport?" He continued, "You knew the security company would come, yet was there no prior consultation before?"

President Lee Hak Jae responded, "Security companies and police coordinate without consulting us. The Corporation receives notifications from the police." He further added, "This is the first time something like this has happened since the airport's inception. We failed to foresee and prepare measures adequately in advance."

He continued, "Hundreds of celebrities travel [abroad through Incheon Airport] each year, and there has never been a case like this where a private security company has responded excessively. So, in light of this incident, we will formulate measures to prevent something like this from happening again."

Former lawmaker Jeon also pointed out, "Even though it was only 48 seconds, they controlled the gate, obstructed airport users, and prevented them from entering. Moreover, the private security company directed flashes [at people's] eyes and unofficially conducted flight ticket inspections."

He criticized, "Airport staff were present, and appropriate measures should have been taken against private security controls, but no action was taken."

In response, President Lee stated, "There is no denying that it was illegal. It's unacceptable. We bear responsibility for not detecting it." He emphasized, "We must confirm again, but what is clear is that it was wrong to control the gate without permission. We will hold them accountable for this and implement measures to prevent recurrence."

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