Security staff checks a passenger in the departure hall at Incheon international airport, west of Seoul, on March 17, 2020. Photo by AFP
Incheon International Airport in South Korea will allow celebrities to use a designated gate in the departure area starting from Oct. 28 in an effort to control crowds and improve safety for all travelers.
The airport clarified that this change will not involve constructing a new entrance for celebrities. Instead, they will be permitted to use an existing gate currently reserved for flight attendants and pilots, The Korea Herald reported.
Celebrities will need to submit applications in advance for enjoying such treatment.
Incheon International Airport Corporation, which operates the airport, on Wednesday sent official letters to entertainment agencies, urging them to use the exclusive celebrity gate for their artists, The Chosun Daily reported.
This decision came following several incidents of dangerous overcrowding at the airport caused by fans gathering to see popular entertainment figures.
In July, the airport faced controversy when private security guards for actor Byun Woo-seok attempted to control crowd movement by blocking gates, checking boarding passes of lounge passengers, and shining flashlights at onlookers to manage the situation.
However, the introduction of a special gate for celebrities has also sparked a heated debate online.
While some netizens support the new policy as a sensible measure to reduce risks, others have criticized it as preferential treatment for celebrities.
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