What is reasonable airport security for celebrities?

According to the Korea Times, it is no longer unusual to see crowds of fans surrounding celebrities at the airport - one of the most popular places in Korea for celebrity sightings.

In an attempt to get close to their favorite stars, these fans often wait at the airport for hours, even carrying heavy cameras just to have a brief encounter with their idols.

Unlike concerts or official fan meetings, meeting artists at the airport is free, and fans do not have to participate in fierce ticket hunting battles. The airport space allows fans to get closer to their idols, taking close-up photos and videos .

A reporter revealed that there were people who carried more expensive and professional cameras than reporters. However, these people were not necessarily real fans.

They can be “data sellers,” selling their video footage to other fans for money, or selling celebrity flight information.

Celebrities' airport fashion is of interest. Photo: Naver

According to the photojournalist, the trend of fans surrounding celebrities at airports began in the 2010s, with the rise of "airport fashion."

Celebrities' airport outfits have gradually become a means of advertising for brands, turning the airport into a runway, blurring the line between personal space and public display.

For safety reasons, most celebrities tend to hire bodyguards at the airport. However, this inevitably leads to unexpected clashes between security personnel and overzealous fans, or even ordinary travelers.

The recent controversial incident was when the bodyguard of actor Byeon Woo Seok arbitrarily blocked the gate, shined a light on passengers, and checked the tickets and passports of those entering the waiting room - something that private security personnel are not allowed to do.

Byeon Woo Seok's bodyguard shines a flashlight on others. Photo: Naver

Kpop boy group Cravity also faced a similar issue, when a person claiming to be a minor, claimed to have been hit in the head by Cravity's bodyguard at Gimpo International Airport and filed a lawsuit.

However, according to the Korea Times, overprotection can cause problems, but inadequate protection can also lead to safety risks for celebrities.

Recently, a video recorded a scene of a crowd gathering and pushing each other when "Queen of Tears" star Kim Ji Won appeared at the airport, making the actress' fans worried.

This poses a dilemma for entertainment companies, who have to balance promoting their artists' popularity and human rights, said culture critic Kim Seong Soo.

Incheon International Airport is under pressure following the Byeon Woo Seok incident and has promised to strengthen security measures, without further fueling public debate over preferential treatment of celebrities.

Photojournalists have suggested setting up separate departure gates for celebrities. However, this may be met with public opposition.

The Korea Times emphasized that the most effective way to prevent accidents at airports is for each individual to take responsibility for ensuring the safety of themselves and others.

Fans welcomed Jin at the airport in an orderly manner. Photo: Naver

BTS' fan community, ARMY, recently made a splash when member Jin boarded a flight to Paris to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympic torch relay.

Despite the crowds at the airport, Jin's supporters adhered to the designated safety lines and cheered him on from afar. Meanwhile, the star personally greeted each fan as he entered the terminal.

“The response of the management company is also very important. BTS's company is a typical example, cooperating with Incheon International Airport to create safe roads for artists,” the photojournalist shared.

Source: https://laodong.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/an-ninh-san-bay-cho-nguoi-noi-tieng-nhu-the-nao-la-hop-ly-1374012.ldo