"If identity is confirmed, that's enough"…Wonyoung, dismisses mask privilege

[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Myung-joo] "Identity verification is more important than removing a mask." (Korea Airports Corporation)

IVE's Wonyoung lowered and raised her mask. (She did not remove it completely, but her face was confirmed.) Will Wonyoung be able to pass through the departure hall security checkpoint?

To answer directly, yes. Removing a mask is merely a method for identity verification. If security personnel confirmed Wonyoung's face, she could proceed (to the departure hall).

Video of IVE's Wonyoung at the departure hall sparked controversy over celebrity privilege. The issue was that Wonyoung did not completely remove her mask. Some complaints were even filed regarding security screening procedures.

In particular, the fairness of security screening standards came under scrutiny. The argument is that the same criteria should be applied to both celebrities and non-celebrities. Questions were also raised about whether it is appropriate to undergo identity verification without fully removing items such as hats, sunglasses, and masks.

Korea Airports Corporation stated to Dispatch on the 15th, "The purpose of security screening is to verify identity by comparing the passport photo with the actual person," and "(based on the aviation security standard operating procedures) we can request removal of items covering a passenger's face."

In this case, the most important factor is the on-site officer's judgment. The airport corporation stated, "This does not mean a mask must necessarily be removed," and explained that "(if the on-site officer) judges that it matches the photo, the passenger can be cleared."

Some have called for clear guidelines without room for dispute, pointing out the ambiguity in identity verification standards. In fact, Incheon International Airport's website advises to "remove masks, hats, and sunglasses when entering the departure hall."

The airport corporation said, "On-site staff provide guidance saying 'Please remove your glasses, sunglasses, and hat so we can verify your identity,'" and "Additional requests may or may not be made depending on the officer's judgment. There is no celebrity privilege."