According to South Korean media reports, singer Jang Won Young of IVE suddenly became a factor promoting changes in passenger guidance procedures at the airport, after recent controversy related to identity verification procedures at Gimpo International Airport.
According to sources on June 16, Korea Airports Corporation is considering a plan to strengthen and clarify information on exit security check procedures, provided to passengers on the official website and other information channels.
An official of this unit said that they are considering measures to improve public guidance on the identity verification process and intend to soon implement those changes.
The discussion originated from a video taken on May 30, when Jang Won Young and IVE members checked out at Gimpo International Airport to go to Shanghai (China).
During this process, the IVE group beauty went through a routine identity verification procedure performed by airport staff.
However, the video recording this situation later spread online, leading to debates about whether Jang Won Young would respond appropriately to the employee's request.
Many opinions suggest that the female singer was reminded many times before performing the check procedure and only slightly pulled out her mask and hat superficially, exposing her face for 1-2 seconds.
This makes many people question whether this is enough time to verify identity, and whether celebrities are treated more favorably?
Jang Won Young's attitude was also commented on as being uncooperative. When the staff checked her papers, she stood with her arms crossed. When she received her passport back, she held it with one hand and immediately walked through the inspection area.
From arguments about attitude towards staff, the incident eventually led to an official civil complaint, requesting the Korean airport to provide a clearer explanation of the identity verification process.
The complaint pointed out that Incheon International Airport clearly informed passengers that they may have to temporarily remove masks, hats or sunglasses to verify their identity; while similar instructions at Gimpo International Airport were considered insufficiently clear.
The complainant also requested verification of whether security standards are being applied uniformly, without discrimination against all passengers, regardless of public awareness or social status such as politicians, businessmen, famous artists or not.
In response, Korea Airports Corporation emphasized that ID verification is carried out uniformly for all passengers at 14 airports nationwide according to aviation security regulations.
According to regulations, employees have the right to ask passengers to remove items that may hinder facial recognition such as hats, sunglasses and masks before verifying their identity.
To respond to public concerns, this unit said it will provide more detailed information about the passenger identity verification process through the website and official media channels in the near future.
This move is expected to help passengers better understand security requirements before arriving at the airport, while reducing confusions that may arise during exit procedures.
