They succumbed to public criticism.
Just days after announcing plans to open a private entrance for celebrities, Incheon International Airport canceled it due to public backlash.
In a press release distributed on On October 27, the company said it would not proceed with separate entry procedures for celebrities after considering the “various opinions” raised in state audit and media reports. Special entrances should have been created October 28.
Although the special entry plan has been abandoned, the company added that it intends to implement alternative measures to ensure passenger safety and avoid dangerous situations due to heavy crowding, but only after gathering sufficient opinions and suggestions.
Previously, on October 22, Incheon International Airport sent a document to entertainment agencies informing them of the exclusive celebrity entrance and inviting them to use it instead of the public entrance. Once this news spread, there was considerable criticism from the public as some saw it as preferential treatment for famous people.
During the extensive state audit at the National Assembly, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee also criticized this policy, arguing that it was unfair as most of the recipients of that document were large entertainment companies.
Although the airport argued that a separate entrance would ensure the safety of both regular passengers and celebrities using the airport, the controversy has not died down. A company official admitted that public reaction led to the decision being reversed.
Meanwhile, many international fans of Korean celebrities have actually welcomed the idea, given the increasing frequency of dangerous incidents involving overcrowding at airports in 2024. You can read more about it here.
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