“This is a joke”— Internet reacts to Incheon International Airport’s withdrawal from allowing celebrities to use alternate gate due to public backlash

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, Maeil Business News reported that Incheon International Airport withdrew its plan to create a separate entrance gate for celebrities to ensure their safety. The decision was altered due to public outrage who claimed that the airport authority was giving preferential treatment to celebrities.

However, if celebrities wish to utilize the door used by current airline pilots and flight attendants, they must file a separate application letter to the Incheon International Airport Corporation. They said in their press release,

"We plan to review overseas airport operation cases and come up with separate measures after collecting sufficient opinions so that there are no problems such as safety of airport users and congestion caused by multiple crowding."

For the unversed, the Incheon International Airport Corporation had previously announced to creation of a separate entry gate for celebrities to ensure their safety. They highlighted that it would also protect regular travelers from being inconvenienced by excessive fan crowds at the airport. They even sent formal requests to entertainment agencies to cooperate in using the separate gate.

The announcement prompted considerable public criticism. Korean netizens argued that the creation of separate gates could result in a class-based system at the public facility. Many felt that offering exclusive entrances would create a disparity between general passengers and celebrities, reinforcing societal hierarchies.

Meanwhile, international online users were stunned to learn that Korean netizens disapproved of the decision and criticized it. Global netizens took to X and lashed out at Korean netizens and Korean media for their irrational reaction. One X user wrote:

"This is a joke tho why would GP cares for this? when I’m a traveller I want minimum disruption at the airport, I don’t not want paparazzi and a random artist’s fans come crowding around me at all."

Netizens highlighted that every time a K-pop idol or Korean celebrity would arrive at the airport, the crowd would mob them, turning the situation into a "stampeded." They questioned if public opinions weighed more than someone's safety.

"Tf you mean “preferential treatment” the alt gate is the only way celebs can avoid sasaengs and even that is hard sometimes… you’re gonna make them go through the main gate and get EVERYONE stampeded?? that’s stupid policy knowing that they or other passengers could get hurt," an X user wrote.

"It’s hard to believe the gp would even know about this let alone care enough to criticize it to this point. The past few months have reinforced my belief that “public” is corporate media & govt interests. That’s the only level of influence that would keep IA taking on this risk." another user wrote.

"There is just so much to unpack about public perception and why they deem it so important above the safety and wellbeing of *checks notes* other public citizens," another user added.

Others wondered if the alleged "public opinion" was mostly Korean media criticizing the Incheon International Airport authority for their decision as they would allegedly fail to take pictures of the celebrities and earn revenue.

"I think celebrities aka public figured have earned the right to receive preferential treatment when getting MOBBED at an airport by the media and fans. Or is it the big media companies complaining cause they wouldn't be able to make money off of airport pics anymore?" one X user commented.

"“Public” being insane stalkers who don’t know how to act like normal human beings. This country cares more about stupid public opinion more than human rights. You have idols damn near having panic attacks from the lack of personal space but the public opinion is more important…" another user said.

"Is the criticism really there or is it a decision made because media companies won't get money for the said AIRPORT pics? Will the said authorities only move when someone gets hurt due to MOBBING WHENEVER A CELEBRITY IS AT THE AIRPORT?" one other user said.

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BTS, BLACKPINK, actress Kim Ji-won, and more get mobbed & pushed at the Incheon International Airport

Previously, several Korean celebrities, including Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Ji-won, BTS members, ENHYPEN, RIIZE, and others, were mobbed by a massive crowd of fans eagerly waiting for a glimpse of their favorite stars.

Furthermore, in November 2023, BTS members Jimin and Jungkook were not only mobbed at the airport but Jungkook was also pushed by fans at the Incheon International Airport.

Similarly, in May 2024, VNExpress reported that Queen of Tears actress Kim Ji-won was mobbed at the Incheon International Airport by a throng of fans waiting for her.

In June 2024, BLACKPINK's Jisoo faced a similar incident that caused global concern for idols' safety at the airport. Similarly, K-pop groups like ENHYPEN, TXT, RIIZE, BOYNEXTDOOR, etc., faced similar dire situations causing panic among their fans.

In July 2024, Lovely Runner star Byeon Woo-seok got embroiled in an airport controversy. His security detail checked the boarding passes of other passengers at the Incheon International Airport VIP waiting lounge as a safety measure for the actor.

However, Byeon Woo-seok was criticized by the Korean netizens for the act. His agency later apologized and stated that the security team took the step at their own discretion.

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The Incheon International Airport Police charged the CEO of the security team of Byeon Woo-seok with the charges of violation of airport safety rules. The actor's agency also terminated its contract with the security firm.