Byeon Woo Seok faced a tense moment while leaving Gimpo International Airport for an overseas event.
On May 28, Byeon Woo Seok flew to Yokohama, Japan, where he is scheduled to present at the Asia Star Entertainer Awards 2025, taking place on Thursday at K Arena Yokohama.
Thanks to the ongoing popularity of tvN’s hit series Lovely Runner, a large crowd of fans and media gathered at the airport to see him off. As Byeon Woo-seok moved through the airport terminal, excited fans rushed forward, ignoring safety guidelines. The crowd quickly became overwhelming, causing safety barriers to buckle under the pressure.
Despite the chaos, Byeon Woo Seok remained calm and smiled for the cameras. However, as more fans pressed in, the scene deteriorated into pandemonium.
This incident follows last year’s controversy over Byeon Woo Seok’s heavy security detail at Incheon International Airport, where he traveled with six bodyguards.
While celebrity security details are common, criticism arose when Byeon Woo Seok’s team arbitrarily controlled access to an airport gate for approximately 10 minutes, disrupting passenger flow. The guards also issued forceful announcements to fans and reportedly shone flashlights into the eyes of other travelers, drawing public backlash.
The aggressive security measures inconvenienced both fans and ordinary passengers, prompting the security company to issue an apology. A spokesperson said, “Our goal was to ensure safety and prevent accidents, but unfortunately, the situation escalated. We sincerely apologize for the disruption.”
Following the backlash, Byeon Woo Seok’s security team was scaled back to three guards. However, concerns remain about whether the reduced team can adequately manage the intense fan attention he receives. More balanced and adequate safety measures are needed to protect Byeon Woo Seok and respect public spaces.
Byeon Woo Seok recently gained fame for his role as Ryu Sun Jae in Lovely Runner, a performance that sparked the so-called Sun Jae syndrome. He is now preparing for his next project, the drama The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife. Fans are eager to see his new transformation on screen.
