Byeon Woo-seok airport security controversy: Police reportedly launch pre-booking investigation

Byeon Woo-seok's recent controversy involving his security team has taken a new turn as the Incheon International Airport Police Department reportedly launched a pre-booking investigation. On July 16, Channel A, a South Korean media agency, reported that the airport police started their investigation against the private security agency guards who escorted the Lovely Runner fame.

This investigation will determine whether they caused any violations of the law including obstruction of business, assault, and constraint.

The incident occurred on July 12, when Byeon Woo-seok was departing for his Asia Tour fan meeting in Hong Kong. The security team's action sparked controversy due to their excessive measures, which allegedly caused discomfort for other people at the Incheon International Airport.

Multiple clips and videos surfaced online showing the security guards seemingly using flashlights on the people to prevent them from filming the idol. Furthermore, it was also reported that they went through the tickets of the other lounge users and blocked the entrance.

According to the reports, the airport police department stated that they were aware of the safety measures taken around the bus boarding and exit gates. However, they also stated that the private security guards checking boarding passes and tickets of lounge users were not informed or agreed with.

---

Byeon Woo-seok's agency and security company’s apology following the airport incident

On July 12, Byeon Woo-seok's security team reportedly caused discomfort among travelers at the airport with their excessive measures to protect the actor. The situation, captured in footage that circulated on social media, drew widespread criticism from netizens.

On July 13, the CEO of the security company issued an apology for the guard's behavior via News1. The statement said:

"It was wrong for a security guard to use a flash. I would like to deeply apologize for making the citizens uncomfortable."

Moreover, an airport user filed a report to the National Human Rights Commission stating that the security guards' actions negatively affected them. In response to the controversy, VARO Entertainment, the management agency of Byeon Woo-seok, issued an official statement apologizing for the mismanagement. The statement read:

"We deeply feel a moral responsibility for any unfortunate incidents during the entire security process and sincerely apologize to the inconvenienced airport users."

They further added:

"We will thoroughly check and ensure that such inconveniences do not occur again for airport users and everyone involved. Once again, we apologize for causing concern."

---

Byeon Woo-seok bags award at the 2024 Seoul International Drama Awards

Recently, the Lovely Runner actor Byeon Woo-seok and his co-star Kim Hye-yoon received the Outstanding Asian Star Korea Popularity Award at the 2024 Seoul International Drama Awards. The category was based on fan votes, and the actor reigned at the top with over 9,987,150 votes, with Queen of Tears star Kim Soo-hyun on the second spot.

Woo-seok witnessed a significant rise in popularity due to his role as Ryu Sun-jae in the rom-com drama Lovely Runner. The show recorded a notable 5.8 percent average viewership rating nationwide.

Due to the increasing demand for the show, Netflix confirmed the premiere of the show on the platform on July 15. Lovely Runner will be available on Netflix starting August 1, 2024.