A common occurrence in K-pop is fans gathering at airports to see off their favourite stars or welcome them when they arrive. Unfortunately, fans crowding at airports is a safety hazard, which is why South Korean airport operators are now taking a stance against this culture.
On 29th September (Monday), the Incheon International Airport confirmed that it had recently met with Korea Airports Corporation, the Incheon Airport Police, and private security companies to discuss issues linked to celebrities’ travel routines. Among the topics discussed were the safety of travellers and the accidents caused by the disorderly entry and exit of certain celebrities.
This move comes after multiple incidents where celebrities and their staff drew large crowds to the airport, creating an unsafe situation in busy terminals. In some cases, the staff and crowd of fans would push and shout at each other, disrupting the peace in the public space. There are also privacy concerns because fans and news reporters would actively film the stars as they enter their terminals and go through immigration.
To curb accidents caused by celebrities, officials have proposed one measure requiring the stars and their agencies to submit a travel plan before using the airport. Celebrities and their security are also asked to follow official rules and maintain safety standards. Additionally, there are discussions that the stars would have to stop “airport fashion” displays, where they show off their outfits to reporters and fans.
The plans are still in discussion, so nothing is set in stone yet. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Incheon International Airport has tried to curb overcrowding relating to celebrity sightings. Last year, the airport announced plans to open a private entrance for stars, but scrapped it due to public backlash. However, separate gates are standard in other major airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
While airport fashion and fans gathering at airports are part of K-pop culture, the Incheon International Airport emphasises that the safety of the public remains its top priority. What do you think would be the best option to curb this issue?
