Members of Byeon Woo-seok's private security team charged by police over 'excessive measures'
Published: 16 Aug. 2024, 14:29
Updated: 16 Aug. 2024, 14:30
![Actor Byeon Woo-seok [VARO ENTERTAINMENT]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2024/08/16/d6f2f6bb-da0e-4001-a79a-9913fb932577.jpg)
Actor Byeon Woo-seok [VARO ENTERTAINMENT]
Four members of the private security firm responsible for actor Byeon Woo-seok’s “excessive security” in July have been criminally charged by the police.
The members of the security firm, including its head, were charged for violating the Security Services Industry Act and more, Incheon International Airport Police Corps said Friday.
The private security firm came under fire in July for blocking the airport gates, flashing lights at passengers in the airport lounge and arbitrarily checking some passengers' tickets and passports without proper authorization from the airport, citing protecting the actor as the reason. Byeon was departing for Hong Kong at Incheon Airport for his Asia fan meeting tour "Summer Letter" at the time.
"Byeon’s agency never requested such excessive security," the security company head told local media reports at the time. "We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused to the public."
According to the Security Services Act, a security company must not infringe on the freedom and rights of others or interfere with legitimate activities while performing security duties. The act also says that bodyguards must not engage in activities beyond the scope of security duties, such as intimidating others or using physical force.
Police are considering adding other charges, including coercion and obstruction of business. “We will finalize their charges when we hand them over to the prosecution,” said a police official.
BY KIM JI-HYE, KIM MIN-YOUNG [kim.minyoung5@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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