A fan of the South Korean idol group CRAVITY reported being assaulted by a bodyguard at the airport, resulting in a concussion. The group’s agency, Starship Entertainment, has since apologized and promised measures to prevent similar incidents.
“We sincerely apologize to those affected by the inappropriate behavior of a security guard performing artist protection duties at the airport upon CRAVITY’s return from a performance and promotion in Japan,” Starship Entertainment said in an official statement on July 22.
The agency has terminated its relationship with the security company responsible for CRAVITY’s on-site security. The statement added, “We will ensure safety by establishing security protocols and training procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.”
The incident came to light after Korean broadcast channel JTBC reported on a fan’s claim of suffering a concussion following an assault by a CRAVITY security guard. The fan alleged that when CRAVITY arrived at the airport in South Korea, a security guard blocked and pushed fans, ultimately striking the fan’s head, which led to a concussion diagnosis. The fan is reportedly suing the bodyguard for assault.
This case is part of a broader pattern of controversies involving celebrity bodyguards excessively restraining fans. On Mar. 12, actor Byeon Woo-seok’s private security company was criticized for arbitrarily blocking the airport gate and checking the passports and airline tickets of the public without proper authority.
In May of last year, a bodyguard for the idol group NCT Dream faced prosecution for allegedly pushing a female fan in her 30s at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1, resulting in a rib fracture due to professional negligence.
