As fans flocked to the airport to see the idol group's departure, traffic was blocked, prompting significant complaints from airport passengers, which spread online. This has reignited the controversy surrounding celebrities causing inconveniences at airports.
On Oct. 31, several online communities posted a video of NCT Dream member Sion, who departed for an overseas fan signing event in Shanghai, China, through Incheon International Airport on Oct. 29. The video showed fans crowding around Sion, taking photos as he proceeded to the departure terminal's duty-free area.
In this situation, Sion's security guard expressed annoyance, saying, "Please move," while one passerby shouted loudly, "What do you think you are, yelling at the passengers like that? Do you think they don't know how to shout?"
On the same day, SM Entertainment's 8-member rookie group Hearts2Hearts also faced a similar situation while departing through Gimpo International Airport for a schedule in Japan. The airport captured scenes of fans taking photos of Hearts2Hearts as they headed to the departure terminal, alongside press members and security guards ensuring the safety of the members.
The video that surfaced online showed fans surrounding Hearts2Hearts, invading their space with large cameras known as 'bazookas' and cell phone cameras. Additionally, the voice of a citizen could be heard shouting, "We need to depart too, you XXXs," claiming a child almost got hurt.
Online, opinions on celebrities using airports have been divided among netizens. Many expressed criticism, saying things like, "How desperate must they be to be cursing like that?" and "Honestly, the celebrities are causing inconveniences." Conversely, some netizens reacted by blaming the agency, saying, "It's the agency's fault for not controlling the site" and "They tried to create an exclusive entry point, but at that time everyone criticized it as favoritism."
Excessive attention to celebrities at arrivals and departures, and even the culture of sponsoring their outfits, have been pointed out as causes. Some celebrities appear at the airport wearing outfits sponsored by major fashion brands when departing overseas. For this, the agency shares the departure schedule with reporters to capture photos of the 'airport fashion.'
Because of this, situations arise where not only the press but also fans flock to the airport knowing the schedule. After the excessive security controversy surrounding actor Byeon Woo-seok at Incheon Airport last July, the airport officials promised to establish procedures for celebrities to use separate exits. However, this was later withdrawn amid criticism of 'excessive preferential treatment.'