aespa member Karina is receiving positive reactions online for following airport departure screening procedures and politely greeting airport staff.
On July 30, a post and video titled “Idol departure screening controversy” were shared on online communities. The video showed several male and female idols going through airport departure screening.
Karina was seen fully removing her mask during the identity check and politely greeting the airport employee before leaving the screening area.
After watching the video, some online users commented, “It is an expected action, but it was still nice to see.”
The video gained attention as discussions continue over how some celebrities behave during airport screening procedures.
Last month, IVE member Jang Won Young faced online criticism after footage showed her keeping her hat on and only partially lowering her mask during a departure screening. Some people questioned whether she had received special treatment.
Following the discussion, the Korea Airports Corporation strengthened its public guidance regarding departure screening procedures.
Celebrity airport security has also faced attention in the past. In July 2024, security personnel accompanying actor Byeon Woo Seok were criticized for shining bright lights toward nearby passengers and checking their boarding passes near an airport lounge.
According to the report, a court later ruled that the security measures involved unlawful use of force. A security guard and an official from the security company were each fined 1 million won.
