Korea Airport Corporation says no issues found in Jang Won Young's departure screening amid attitude controversy
by K-Soul · allkpopIVE member Jang Won Young has become the center of an online controversy over her behavior during her departure from Gimpo International Airport, a debate that has since escalated into a formal civil complaint filed with Korea Airports Corporation.
According to inquiries made by TenAsia to Korea Airports Corporation regarding the controversy, officials stated that they could not disclose the specific details of the complaint due to privacy regulations. However, they confirmed that there were no procedural issues during Jang Won Young’s identity verification process before departure.
Responding to TenAsia’s questions, a representative explained, “The procedures were carried out in accordance with regulations. Based on the video, Jang Won Young lowered her mask twice. There is also no requirement for a passenger to completely remove a hat. As long as airport staff can determine that the passenger matches the passport photo, the verification can be completed. The method used by on-site personnel to request identity checks may vary from person to person.”
Earlier reports indicated that the complaint was not simply aimed at criticizing a celebrity’s behavior. Instead, it sought clarification regarding the standards and procedures used by airports when conducting passenger identity verification.
The complaint, reportedly submitted to the Security Management Department of the Gimpo Airport Operations Division on June 15, requested the establishment of clearer guidelines and an official information system regarding identity verification procedures at the international departure terminal of Gimpo International Airport.
The complainant cited guidelines used at Incheon International Airport, where passengers may be instructed to remove masks, hats, or sunglasses during identity checks. Based on this, the individual asked whether the same standards are being applied at airports nationwide under Korea Airports Corporation’s management and whether ordinary travelers are adequately informed of such procedures through official notices.
The complainant also reportedly emphasized that if passengers are required to comply with specific security measures, those requirements should be easily accessible to the public. As a result, the individual requested disclosure of the exact regulations, responsible departments, and relevant legal provisions governing requests to remove items such as masks and hats.
Additionally, the complaint sought confirmation that the same security standards are applied equally to all passengers, regardless of their public status or level of fame, including politicians, business leaders, and celebrities. Korea Airports Corporation is reportedly expected to review and respond to the complaint by June 23.
The controversy began after a video filmed on May 30 showed Jang Won Young using the international departure terminal at Gimpo International Airport for a trip to Shanghai, China. In the footage, an airport employee asked her to lower her mask to compare her face with her passport photo. Jang Won Young briefly lifted her hat and lowered her mask to complete the identity check.
However, after the video circulated online, some netizens claimed that she appeared reluctant or insufficiently cooperative during the verification process, sparking what became known as an “attitude controversy.” Korea Airports Corporation’s response now indicates that airport staff found no issues with how the identification procedure was conducted.
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