Korean actor Byeon Woo Seok, 32, whose popularity skyrocketed after starring in Lovely Runner, has been busy with his Asia fan meet tour since June.
Things were going swimmingly well until last Friday (Jul 12) when a Hong Kong-bound Woo Seok and his security team were called out for excessive security measures at Incheon International Airport.
A member of Woo Seok’s security was said to have shined a flashlight at any traveller who looked in his direction.
They also reportedly blocked the entrance to the terminal for 10 minutes, and asked to check the passports and flight tickets of other travellers entering the premises after the actor.
One unhappy traveller would later share an account of the incident on X, noting how “powerful flashlights” were used to stop other passengers, including a young boy, from looking at Woo Seok.
It didn’t take long for Woo Seok’s security to be bombarded with criticism, with many netizens slamming them for “over-protecting” him at the expense of other paying travellers.
Netizens also found fault with Woo Seok, with many calling him “arrogant” for having such tight security.
An angry netizen has also filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, citing “human rights violations” regarding the security team’s actions. An investigation into the matter is pending.
A representative from the company has since responded to the outrage, apologising for “causing discomfort to the public”. They also promised to improve their protocols and retrain their staff so similar incidents would not reoccur.
They also provided a reason for blocking the terminal gate, claiming they had discussed with airport security beforehand due to potential accidents caused by crowds.
Incheon Airport officials have, however, said they were unaware of the incident, and that the gate closure plans were not coordinated on their end.
Woo Seok’s agency, Varo Entertainment, issued another apology yesterday (July 15).
They apologised for the inconvenience caused to passengers, and ensured that they would be “more meticulous and cautious” in the future to avoid affecting the general public.
“We asked the security personnel to stop using flashlights towards airport users once we became aware of it. While we were unaware of the gate and boarding pass inspections, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused and offer our sincere apologies,” they added.
Woo Seok is scheduled to return to Korea today (July 16) after wrapping up his fan meet tour in Hong Kong.