On the afternoon of February 9, Byeon Woo Seok left Incheon International Airport for Beijing, China, where he was supposed to attend a fashion brand’s store opening event. This was not a private apparition but a officially coordinated programwith the PR agency sharing detailed information in advance, including airport arrival time, flight number and even vehicle details.
Before his departure, journalists made a single request to the actor’s agency and public relations team: Byeon Woo Seok refrain from wearing a mask. The request arises from a previous episode that occurred on January 16th, when he left for Milan with his face completely covered by a mask, making coverage difficult. This time, journalists were hoping for smoother coverage and clearer promotion of the brand through open communication.
However, when Byeon Woo Seok showed up at the airport, expectations were not met. Wearing a mask and a cap pulled down, he covered almost his entire face, leaving only his eyes visible. The moment made previous requests useless.
Just as he stood at the crosswalk and was once again asked to take off his mask, Byeon Woo Seok repeatedly bowed and apologized, saying: “I am sorry,” but in the end never took off the mask.
In today’s entertainment industry, “airport fashion” it is no longer a simple snapshot of a celebrity’s departure. It became a official promotional eventclosely linked to brand sponsorships and media exposure. This is exactly why PR agencies reveal brand names and programs in advance, inviting press coverage.
As a result, criticism has emerged from within the industry that has highlighted a contradiction: while sponsored garments are worn for promotion, the refusal to reveal one’s face, considered the final and most important element of airport fashion– raises concerns about this basic courtesy and professional responsibility.
Of course, it is possible that the actor was not feeling well or was dealing with personal status issues. However, critics argue that in these cases, prior communication through official channels or flexible coordination regarding the use of masks would have been a more appropriate approach.
As Byeon Woo Seok quickly becomes a global star and continues to receive intense attention from the public, the expectations go beyond just the visuals. The public is always looking for more mature judgment, thoughtful responses and professional awareness befitting its growing status in the industry.
Sources: MyDaily
