Excessive security for an idol group at the airport has once again come under scrutiny.
On the 18th, a post titled Today’s legendary idol airport security along with a video spread rapidly on an online community. The video showed members of the group Hearts2Hearts departing through Incheon International Airport that morning.
The problem was the security method. About ten security personnel formed a circular wall by holding hands as they moved. This restricted general passengers’ passage through the airport, creating a disturbing scene.
The video attracted explosive reactions, receiving over 1,000 comments within an hour of posting.
Most netizens criticized, saying, “K-Pop culture itself feels bizarre,” “I don’t understand why the inconveniences to airport passengers are ignored,” and “The security is stricter than presidential security.”
Controversy over excessive celebrity security is nothing new. Concerns have been consistently raised about private security firms exercising excessive authority in public spaces like airports—blocking passenger paths and controlling gates, thereby infringing on the right to move freely.
Of course, some argue that these measures are unavoidable to prevent obsessive fans’ reckless approach, leaks of flight information, and attempts at physical contact.
Currently, Korea Airports Corporation and Incheon Airport Corporation require agencies to submit usage plans when celebrities are traveling.
However, since situations where fans gather all at once after learning about the information in advance continue to recur, there is urgent need for fundamental measures to ease inconveniences for regular passengers.