Korea Airports Corp. tightens ID check rules amid Jang Won-young 'preferential treatment' controversy

Korea Airports Corp. has strengthened its identity verification guidelines for passengers amid a controversy over whether IVE member Jang Won-young received preferential treatment when she passed through airport security without fully removing her mask.

Korea Airports Corp. updated its domestic flight information page Friday, adding new language to the "boarding gate identity verification and boarding pass inspection" section. The updated notice asks passengers to "briefly remove masks, hats and sunglasses to confirm your identity."

The previous guidance had only stated that passengers must present their ID and boarding pass to a security officer at the departure gate entrance. The revision appears intended to ensure travelers are clearly aware of on-site requirements before they arrive, closing an ambiguous gap in the written instructions.

The controversy began May 30, when Jang passed through a security checkpoint at Gimpo International Airport with her mask pulled down only slightly rather than fully removed during the identity check.

After video of the scene spread online, some questioned why celebrities appeared to face a more lenient standard than ordinary passengers, sparking a public debate over fairness.

Gimpo Airport also received formal complaints calling on authorities to clarify the criteria and communication around identity verification.

As the controversy grew, Korea Airports Corp. defended its procedures, saying there had been no preferential treatment and that the same standard was applied to all passengers in accordance with aviation security protocols, with officers verbally instructing passengers at the scene to remove masks and hats.

The company said it reinforced the official written guidance to prevent a recurrence and reduce confusion among travelers.

‘주식으로 1억’ 날린 미자, 또?…“SK하닉 재입성” 소식에 “큰일 났다” 반응

https://biz.heraldcorp.com/article/10782418