"Jang Wonyoung's 'Slightly Lowered Mask' at Departure Sparks Controversy... Korea Airports Corporation Responds"

Complaints Filed Over Jang Wonyoung’s Departure Screening
Korea Airports Corporation: "We Will Strengthen Guidance on Verification Procedures"

Korea Airports Corporation has announced that it will strengthen guidance on identity verification procedures following the recent controversy surrounding IVE member Jang Wonyoung's departure from Gimpo Airport.

On the 30th of last month, IVE member Jang Wonyoung was seen departing from Gimpo Airport. SNS

According to Yonhap News on June 16, the corporation stated that it plans to enhance guidance on passenger identity verification procedures through various means, including posting information on its website. This appears to be a response to complaints raised during Jang Wonyoung's departure to Shanghai, China.

Previously, on the 30th of last month, a video showing Jang Wonyoung lowering her mask slightly in front of security personnel at Gimpo Airport spread online, sparking controversy. Some voiced concerns that, due to her celebrity status, her identity may have been verified without her completely removing her hat and mask.

Subsequently, a complaint was submitted to the Security Management Department of the Gimpo Airport Operations Division of Korea Airports Corporation, requesting clarification and official guidance regarding the identity verification procedures at the international departure area of Gimpo Airport.

Jang Wonyoung of the girl group IVE is posing at the event for the Italian jewelry brand Bulgari's high jewelry collection 'Ecletica,' held on May 12 at Vista Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

In response, the corporation explained that, in accordance with the "Aviation Security Standard Procedures," the same identity verification process as Incheon International Airport is implemented at 14 airports nationwide, including Gimpo Airport. It added that passengers are verbally instructed to remove items that cover their faces, such as hats, masks, and sunglasses, during the verification process. If it is difficult to compare or identify the passenger with their ID photo, they are asked to remove such items completely.

Meanwhile, according to Article 15-3 of the current Aviation Security Act, airport operators are required to verify passengers' identities by cross-checking boarding passes and identification documents. If identification is difficult with a photo alone, further confirmation is required through additional questions. However, there are no detailed provisions regarding specific face-covering items, such as masks or hats.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.