'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok's ongoing airport controversy took a new turn when Incheon International Airport filed a lawsuit against his security team on July 24, 2024, KST. The airport accused the security team's firm of misusing their power by inspecting passenger tickets and blocking the airport boarding gate.
According to Daily Sports, Byeon Woo-seok's bodyguards checked other passengers' boarding cards and passports when he was leaving for Hong Kong on July 14, 2024. The bodyguards used flashing lights to control the crowd and blocked the boarding gate without authority.
It is important to note that Byeon Woo-seok's agency, Varo Entertainment, hired a third-party contractor to provide security for the actor's airport departure. The security firm's CEO apologized for the mishap, but netizens' ire was directed toward the Lovely Runner actor.
Trending
Byeon Woo-seok's commercial deals might fall off amidst ongoing controversy
On July 14, 2024, South Korean media outlet Dispatch provided live YouTube video footage where the actor's security team was checking other passengers' boarding passes and passports at the airport's VIP lounge.
Later, on July 15, 2024, a netizen filed a complaint against the actor's security team to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea for the violation of human rights. The news went viral online as netizens criticized Byeon Woo-seok and Varo Entertainment for the security team's behavior.
The 32-year-old actor rose to quick fame due to his 2024 tvN drama, Lovely Runner, opposite Kim Hye-yoon. Currently, he is carrying out his first Asia fan meet tour, Summer Letter. On July 14, 2024, the actor was flying to Hong Kong for his scheduled fan meet when the incident occurred.
Korea Joong Daily reported that a representative of the security firm told News1 that they apologize for causing inconvenience to the actor and the passengers. The representative said:
"Byeon’s agency never requested such excessive security. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to the public. It’s common sense that we can't block the gate for 10 minutes. We coordinated with airport security after discussions. The gate blocking and ticket inspection was in cooperation with airport security, not as an independent decision or action."
However, Incheon Airport denied claims of involvement in the inspection process conducted by the Lovely Runner actor's bodyguards.
Varo Entertainment issued an apology statement to be mindful of the public and its actor's safety and privacy rights. On July 23, 2024, reports surfaced that Varo Entertainment ceased its contract with the security agency.
Reports suggest Woo-seok's current endorsement deals are valued between 700 million won ($506.3K) to 900 million won (over $650K). However, reports claim that due to the ongoing controversy, a few brands have temporarily halted their deals or removed Byeon Woo-seok from their list of prospects.
In other news, Byeon Woo-seok was offered endorsement deals from LG Electronics, F&F Outdoor's Discovery Expedition, LG Household & Healthcare's PHYSIOGEL, and more. The Lovely Runner actor was invited to attend the Prada Spring Summer 2025 show at the Milan Fashion Week on June 17, 2024.
