[Sportschosun, Reporter Kim Jun-seok] The security screening etiquette controversy that erupted over IVE's Jang Won-young during her departure from the airport has ultimately led to changes in the airport's actual operating procedures.
In effect, a celebrity's departure video became the trigger for formalizing airport guidance.
According to the Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) website on the 20th, the domestic flight guide under the section "Identity Verification and Ticket Inspection at the Boarding Area" has added a new line to the existing procedure: "Please briefly remove your mask, hat, and sunglasses to confirm your identity."
The procedure, which had previously been explained only verbally, has now been officially written into the guidelines.
The change stems from a video taken on the 30th of last month, when Jang Won-young was leaving Gimpo Airport for a schedule in Shanghai.
In the video, Jang was seen wearing a hat and only slightly lowering her mask in front of security screening staff. This sparked fairness concerns among some viewers, who argued, "Isn't this special treatment for a celebrity?" and "The same standards should be applied to all passengers."
As the controversy spread, a complaint was filed on the 15th with the Security Management Department of the Gimpo Airport Operations Division, calling for clearer standards and guidance on identity checks.
In response, KAC said on the 16th that there had been "no special treatment for celebrities," while adding that it has been strengthening verbal guidance to ask passengers to remove items covering their faces during identity verification, and that additional requests are made when identification is difficult.
The corporation also said it plans to further strengthen guidance on passenger identity verification procedures through website postings and other methods, using the controversy as an opportunity to do so.
As the incident led to more detailed written rules for airport security procedures, online users have responded by calling it "a positive change brought about by a complaint" and saying they hope it will be applied fairly to all passengers going forward.
narusi@sportschosun.com
