When Fame Turns into Power: Celebrity or Royalty?

Actor Byun Woo-seok's 'excessive security' controversy grows
Issues raised regarding celebrity security, control, and abuse of power
Revisiting the sense of privilege in the entertainment industry

(MHNSports Reporter Sun Shin) They have lots of money, numerous supporters, and significant social influence. Celebrities seem to be treated like royalty.

Recently, controversies over so-called 'power tripping' by celebrities have been unending. Not only individual carelessness but also those around them appear to be caught up in a sense of privilege.

On the 13th, a video of actor Byun Woo-seok's bodyguard flashing a light at airport users spread online. Additionally, the security team was criticized for excessive control, including managing the airport gate and checking the tickets of lounge passengers.

On the 15th, both the security company and Byun Woo-seok's agency, Baro Entertainment, apologized, stating, "We apologize to the passengers who felt inconvenienced."

This is not the first time there has been a controversy over excessive security for celebrities.

In December last year, a security team member of the group BOYNEXTDOOR was seen forcefully pushing a fan taking pictures, causing the fan to fall. Other instances include the security teams of NCT127 and IU, among many, who were criticized for harsh language and aggressive restraint.

Of course, the security team's position is somewhat understandable. Videos from crowded fan events often show fans getting dangerously close, posing safety threats. Also, the large number of fans can cause disorder, potentially leading to serious accidents. From the perspective of the security personnel, their actions might stem from a strong sense of duty to ensure safety.

Even so, justifying excessive security beyond normal levels is not acceptable. Some security guards treat fans as if celebrities are masters and fans are mere subjects.

However, there is no clear way to address this issue. The Incheon Airport Corporation stated, "We recognize the problem," but added, "It is challenging to prevent excessive security in advance." Ultimately, special attention from both celebrities and security companies is needed.

Besides security teams, many filming crew members also seem to be caught up in a sense of privilege.

Complaints about filming crews inconveniencing citizens have been consistently raised across various entertainment fields such as variety shows, dramas, and movies.

For example, last year, the Netflix series 'Mr. Plankton' blocked local residents' parking spaces for filming, causing inconvenience. Similarly, the web variety show 'The Ex-Con' from ootb STUDIO was criticized for disrupting students' passage and conversations during filming at a university, leading to an apology.

Many other productions, such as JTBC's drama 'Not a Hero,' TVING's original 'Pyramid Game,' and Netflix's 'Squid Game 2,' received complaints for disturbing the filming locations and inconveniencing passersby.

For outdoor filming, cooperation with local governments and institutions is typical. Nonetheless, they do not have the right to forcibly control citizens. They should be apologizing and seeking 'cooperation' politely.

Yet, some filming crew members act as if their work is so important that they can control others, as if the 'filming crew' badge grants them significant privilege. If filming outside is inconvenient, they should build sets in isolated places. No one insists, 'Please film outdoors.'

The issues mentioned above stem from the wrong attitudes of production and security staff, but there are also many cases of power abuse directly involving celebrities.

Recently, BLACKPINK member Jennie faced criticism for blowing cigarette smoke in a staff member's face during a makeup session. Regardless of whether the person is a smoker or not, indoors or outdoors, this behavior showed a lack of consideration.

Her agency, OA Entertainment, apologized, stating, "We are reflecting on this and have personally apologized to the staff member involved." However, the controversy was not fully resolved since Jennie did not address the issue herself. Critics argue that using the agency as a shield to protect herself is another form of power abuse.

Red Velvet's Seulgi also faced accusations of power abuse, but the situation was slightly different.

Recently, Seulgi was seen swapping her high heels with her manager's sneakers at the airport. The manager was spotted wearing high heels while carrying bags on both shoulders, sparking the power abuse controversy.

Seulgi immediately explained the situation and apologized on social media.

She said, "I recently had blisters and wounds on my feet from practice. I thought it would be okay as the heels were not very high. I failed to bring extra sneakers, which was my mistake." She added, "As I walked, the wounds started to hurt, and my manager suggested we swap shoes until we exited the airport to avoid affecting the performance."

She concluded, "I made a wrong decision in that moment. I apologize to those disappointed and to my manager. I have personally apologized to my manager and will be more careful in the future."

Fortunately, due to Seulgi's consistently courteous image and her immediate explanation and apology, she has avoided being labeled as a 'power-tripping celebrity.' This shows how important consistent good behavior is.

Whether they are celebrities, staff, or security teams, everyone has their own circumstances, and it is unfair to judge the whole based on a captured moment. Nonetheless, the pervasive 'sense of privilege' in the entertainment industry warrants reflection.

'To the beloved fans…', 'To the hardworking staff…', 'Thanks to the viewers…'

These are common phrases included in speeches when celebrities receive awards. But how many truly feel grateful to their fans and staff? Do they think their popularity allows the staff to make a living? Do they still believe that workers in the entertainment and broadcasting industry are superior? Let's treat others well while we have them, whether you are a star or a staff member.

Photos = MHN Sports DB, ootb STUDIO web variety show 'The Ex-Con,' online community screenshots