IVE’s Jang Won Young airport controversy escalates into formal complaint over identity verification rules
by K-Soul · allkpopA controversy surrounding IVE's Jang Won Young and her departure process at Gimpo Airport has expanded into a formal civil complaint filed with the Korea Airports Corporation, calling for clearer airport identity verification standards.
The issue is being interpreted as more than a debate over a celebrity’s behavior. Instead, it has evolved into a broader demand for transparency regarding how airports verify passengers' identities.
According to reports from Sports Kyunghyang, a formal complaint was submitted on June 15 to the Security Management Division of Gimpo Airport's Operations Department. The complaint requested detailed clarification and official guidance regarding identity verification procedures at the international departure terminal of Gimpo International Airport.
The Korea Airports Corporation stated that it will thoroughly review the complaint and provide an official response through the relevant department by June 23.
The controversy stems from a video filmed on May 30 as Jang Won Young departed for Shanghai, China, through Gimpo International Airport.
In the footage, Jang Won Young underwent an identity verification process before passing through the security checkpoint. When an airport employee asked her to lower her mask so her face could be compared with her passport photo, she briefly lifted the brim of her cap and lowered her mask beneath her chin to comply with the request.
However, after the video spread across social media, some viewers criticized Jang Won Young for allegedly responding to the security officer’s instructions in an insincere manner, sparking a debate over her attitude. Others argued that she fully complied with airport security regulations by revealing her face and that there was no issue with her conduct.
The individual who filed the complaint argued that the problem extends beyond criticism of a celebrity and instead highlights a lack of transparency in the system itself.
At present, Incheon International Airport officially instructs passengers to remove masks, hats, and sunglasses when their identity is being verified at departure checkpoints.
The complainant questioned whether similar standards are consistently applied across all airports operated by the Korea Airports Corporation and whether ordinary travelers can easily access official guidance outlining these requirements.
"If passengers are expected to follow these procedures, the rules should be easily accessible to everyone," the complainant reportedly stated. They also requested disclosure of any written internal regulations requiring passengers to remove masks, hats, or sunglasses, including the exact name of the regulation, the responsible department, and the relevant provisions.
Additionally, the complainant called for clarification on whether such rules are applied equally and without exception to all passengers at airports nationwide under the corporation’s jurisdiction, including Gimpo Airport.
The complaint also highlighted concerns that unclear passenger guidance places an unnecessary burden on frontline security personnel, who must repeatedly explain procedures verbally and potentially engage in disputes with travelers.
In particular, the complainant requested confirmation that the same standards are applied equally to all passengers regardless of social status, public recognition, or profession, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities.
Observers have interpreted the request as a pointed reference to previous controversies involving well-known figures allegedly receiving preferential treatment or bypassing standard identity verification procedures at domestic airports.
Under Article 15, Paragraph 3 of South Korea’s Enforcement Decree of the Aviation Security Act, airport operators are required to compare boarding passes and identification documents to verify a passenger’s identity. If a determination cannot be made solely from the identification photo, additional questioning may be conducted to confirm identity.
At Incheon International Airport, the country's largest airport, signs are prominently displayed at the first stage of security screening, instructing passengers to temporarily remove masks, hats, and sunglasses for identity verification purposes. The system is designed to encourage voluntary compliance and reduce confusion.
By contrast, some airports reportedly lack similarly visible guidance, forcing security officers to make individual verbal requests. Critics argue that this increases the likelihood of misunderstandings, friction between passengers and staff, and controversies such as the one involving Jang Won Young.
Share this article SHARE
SHARE