South Korea's Incheon Airport to let celebrities use exclusive gate amid overcrowding concerns
South Korea's Incheon Airport will allow celebrities and other public figures to use an exclusive gate just for them.
Local media outlets like Korea Herald and Korea JoongAng Daily reported that the airport's move is a bid to prevent overcrowding, as celebrities tend to attract a lot of people.
"This not only causes inconvenience and problems for other passengers but also has a risk of accidents," the Incheon International Airport Corporation said.
The corporation sent official letters to entertainment agencies, urging them to use the exclusive gates.
“To minimize crowds and potential safety hazards, we have established a new procedure allowing celebrities and other public figures to use a designated gate at Incheon Airport's departure area,” the corporation said in the letter.
Officials explained that they're not constructing a new gate for the stars, but will provide access to existing gates used by flight attendants and pilots.
"Celebrities wishing to use this gate have to submit applications beforehand," it said.
The new policy is expected to be implemented on Oct. 28.
Fans have been gathering at Incheon Airport to get a glimpse of their favorites, leading to several incidents in the past. This prompted some celebrities to take extreme security measures.
Last July, the security team of Byeon Woo-seok (Lovely Runner, Record of Youth) blocked gates, flashed lights at passengers, and conducted unauthorized ticket and passport checks.
The airport's plan drew mixed reactions from social media users. According to local news channel YTN, some netizens approved of the measure to mitigate potential risks. Others, meanwhile, criticized the preferential treatment of celebrities.
