It appears that bodyguards and security personnel are facing significant backlash as recent incidents at the airport have drawn widespread criticism from netizens. The way these security teams have handled fans, particularly in the context of K-pop idols and actors, has sparked discussion about the appropriate level of force and the professionalism expected from those responsible for the safety of public figures.
Interestingly, not too long ago, fans were vocally demanding that entertainment companies take greater measures to ensure the safety of their artists. This is especially true for emerging idols like those in the group RIIZE, who have been seen in the early stages of their career with only a handful of bodyguards despite being surrounded by massive crowds of fans. These crowds often breach security checkpoints and even encroach into areas where the gate terminals are located. Another notable instance involved the boy group ENHYPEN, whose return from a performance in Madrid was met with a chaotic scene at the airport, where a large crowd surged forward, effectively mobbing the members. In several cases, the glass doors at the airport were shattered due to the overwhelming number of people attempting to capture candid photos of their favorite idols.
The question now arises: how much security is too much? Recently, there have been concerns over bodyguards being excessively aggressive towards fans. This issue came to the forefront with the actor Byun Woo Seok, who gained massive popularity through the drama “Lovely Runner.” As a result, he has been busy attending various schedules that often require international travel. Knowing his departure and arrival times, many fans flocked to the airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. However, the situation quickly turned dangerous, as crowds swarmed around him, prompting security guards to repeatedly warn people to be careful and watch their steps. A specific incident involving a bodyguard's treatment of fans has since drawn widespread attention and criticism.
In the clip above, you can see a bodyguard suddenly approach the fans surrounding Byun Woo Seok and shine a bright light directly into their faces. There are also reports that the bodyguards demanded identification and passports from those using the airport lounge, further intensifying the criticism. The public's reaction has been harsh, with comments like “Who does he think he is, a prince?” reflecting the general sentiment that the bodyguards' actions were an overstep. Following the incident, Byun Woo Seok’s agency issued an apology, but the controversy did not end there.
Just last week, a similar incident occurred involving the security personnel for the idol group CRAVITY. In a video that circulated online, the group members can be seen making their way to their vehicle, when suddenly a bodyguard yells, “Get out of the way!” This is followed by an audible “Ah!” from the person recording, and the bodyguard’s response, “What are you doing?” He then further retorts that he was pushed, though the video suggests otherwise.
It was later reported that the fan involved, a teenager, suffered a head concussion due to the rough treatment by the bodyguards, who were trying to push fans away from the idols. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. In another case, when NCT was arriving at the airport, a fan who attempted to approach them was roughly shoved away by a bodyguard. While it’s understandable that this fan may have overstepped boundaries, the incident has fueled a growing debate among netizens about whether the actions of bodyguards and security personnel are becoming excessively aggressive.
These incidents highlight a broader issue that could potentially be avoided if paparazzi and fans were prohibited from gathering at the airport altogether. The presence of large, disruptive crowds is not only inconvenient for other travelers but also reflects poorly on the image of South Korea as a destination. Imagine landing from a long flight only to be greeted by a chaotic scene at every exit. It’s easy to see how such situations add unnecessary stress to an already tiring travel experience. Perhaps it's time to rethink the policies around airport fan gatherings to ensure a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone involved.
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