Cravity's agency apologizes for security guard's alleged assault of fan at Gimpo airport

K-pop

Published: 23 Jul. 2024, 13:57 Updated: 23 Jul. 2024, 19:04

Cravity's agency apologizes for security guard's alleged assault of fan at Gimpo airport

Boy band Cravity [STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

Boy band Cravity’s agency Starship Entertainment apologized for the excessive security measures of a private security employee at an airport in June, following a similar incident involving Byeon Woo-seok's security team earlier this month.

"We deeply apologize to everyone who has been hurt by the artist's private security guard's inappropriate actions, which happened while they were carrying out their duties as a security guard, after Cravity came back from its promotions and performances in Japan," Starship Entertainment said Monday.

The boy band's security firm came under fire after local news outlet JTBC reported on Monday that a teenage fan was struck in the head by a security guard at Gimpo International Airport in Gangseo District, western Seoul.

In a video filmed by the fan, the guard in question shouted, “Out of the way. I said, out of the way.” The sound of someone exclaiming, “Ouch,” was heard as the fan was pushed out of the way.

When the fan demanded an explanation for the excessive action from the guard, the guard reportedly accused the fan of being "mentally challenged."

Boy band Cravity [STARSHIP ENTERTAINMENT]

The fan went home because she was scared at the time but later had to go to the hospital due to shock, she told JTBC. The fan was diagnosed with a concussion due to the guard's alleged assault, according to JTBC.

The guard told the media, “I only pulled her hand up. I didn’t mean to hit her.”

“We terminated our deal with the security firm for Cravity’s on-site security as soon as we became aware of the incident,” said Starship Entertainment. “We will establish security protocols and training procedures to make sure that the same thing does not happen again and will ensure the safety of fans and artists.”

Actor Byeon Woo-seok, left, and security seen allegedly flashing a light at the crowd [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Actor Byeon’s security firm came under fire for flashing lights at airport guests, checking boarding passes and controlling airport gates without authorization on July 12. Byeon's agency apologized, saying it would "be more thorough and cautious to ensure that airport passengers and others are not inconvenienced again."

Last year, a security guard for boy band NCT Dream was handed over to the prosecution on charges of allegedly shoving a female fan in her 30s and fracturing her ribs. A security guard for boy band BoyNextDoor also pushed a female fan filming the band and caused her to fall over, prompting the agency to apologize.

"We will create rules for the behavior of private security firms at the airport in consultation with the police and find ways to strengthen the penalties for problematic behavior," said Lee Hag-jae, president of the Incheon Airport Corporation, in response to the security controversy surrounding Byeon's security detail.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]