Byeon Woo Seok's agency apologizes after private security team seen shining flashlight at fans

AKP STAFF

news.nate.com

A video of a foreign security guard flashing lights while escorting Byun Woo Seok has gone viral online.

On July 15, Byun Woo Seok's agency, Baro Entertainment, issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused to airport users during the actor’s departure from Incheon Airport on the 12th. "We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to airport users during the security process for actor Byun Woo Seok at Incheon Airport on the 12th," the agency said.

The agency acknowledged, "After realizing that the security personnel were flashing lights at airport users, we immediately requested them to stop. We feel a deep moral responsibility for any unfortunate incidents that occurred during the security process."

However, online communities have raised questions about the agency's claims, noting that Byun Woo Seok's security personnel had previously used flashing lights on people during overseas trips. This has cast doubt on the agency’s statement of unawareness.

Photos have surfaced online showing Byun Woo Seok's security personnel flashing lights at fans while providing security for him abroad. Netizens have commented, "The agency claims they asked them to stop, but this isn’t the first time," "They only asked them to stop because of the controversy," and "If they didn't want photos taken, they should have arrived privately."

Additionally, the security firm faced criticism for checking the tickets of passengers trying to use the lounge. They explained, "We checked tickets because there were many cases of people entering the lounge who were not supposed to, causing inconvenience to actual users. This was done in coordination with the airport security."

However, according to a report by the Dong-A Ilbo, Incheon International Airport Corporation stated that there was no prior agreement between the corporation and the security firm regarding the excessive security measures during Byun Woo Seok's departure.

As the controversy over the excessive security measures intensified, the case was submitted to the National Human Rights Commission.

One netizen revealed, "I filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission citing 'human rights violations' regarding the 10-minute gate control, ticket checks, and flashing lights." The National Human Rights Commission stated, "We will commence an investigation following standard procedures."

Byun Woo Seok's agency added, "We requested the security personnel to stop using flashlights toward airport users once we became aware of it. While we were unaware of the gate and boarding pass inspection situations, we deeply regret any inconvenience caused and offer our sincere apologies."