The South Korean government is developing safety management measures for crowd control at airports following repeated incidents of fans and photographers mobbing celebrities during departures.
The move comes after growing calls for institutional management of airport congestion and safety issues, including the controversial "emperor-style security" incident involving actor Byun Woo-seok in 2024.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport recently announced a tender for a study on "Safety Management for Crowd Gatherings During Celebrity Airport Use," according to the ministry on the 7th. The three-month study will form the basis for comprehensive improvement measures covering airport operations, passenger flow separation, and on-site control in the first half of this year.
The ministry aims to establish an airport operation system that considers mobility rights for both celebrities and general passengers.
The ministry is currently consulting with related agencies including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Personal Information Protection Commission.
"We are reviewing improvements to prevent dangerous situations at airports, such as excessive crowd density, conflicts between passengers, and aggressive photography, to create a safe and orderly airport environment," a ministry official said.
Safety concerns have mounted as fans and photographers crowd airports whenever celebrities travel, disrupting passage for other travelers.
The study will analyze the mechanisms and risk characteristics of crowd gatherings during celebrity airport use. It will specifically examine how celebrity departure information spreads online, how crowds form, and assess risks by departure type and airport zone.
The research will also review overseas airport operations and compare domestic and international laws on crowd management, photography, and safety to develop effective measures. Cultural cooperation programs linking airports with K-content are also under consideration.
The study follows the July 2024 "emperor-style security" controversy at Incheon International Airport involving actor Byun Woo-seok. When fans gathered during Byun's departure, security guards blocked airport entrances, shined bright flashlights at other travelers' faces, and obstructed access to boarding gates, sparking criticism of excessive security.
Incheon International Airport Corporation subsequently considered allowing celebrities to use dedicated entrances used by crew members and pilots. However, the plan was withdrawn after public backlash over preferential treatment.
Currently, Incheon International Airport Corporation and Korea Airports Corporation require entertainment agencies and security companies to submit airport usage plans in advance when celebrities travel. These documents include artist names and security plans to prepare for incidents, though critics say they remain largely formalities with limited effectiveness for actual crowd management.
