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| ▲ K-pop boy group CRAVITY poses at the SBS 2024 Gayo Daejeon Summer Blue Carpet event held at Inspire Entertainment Resort in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, on July 21, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 23 (Yonhap) -- CRAVITY's agency has apologized over a controversy involving excessive security by a security firm employee.
Starship Entertainment stated on the 22nd, "We deeply apologize to those affected by the inappropriate behavior of a security guard while performing artist security duties at the airport following CRAVITY's Japan concert and promotion."
The agency added, "We have terminated our cooperation with the security firm regarding CRAVITY's on-site security. We will establish security protocols and training procedures to prevent recurrence and ensure safety."
Previously, an individual identified as a minor, A, claimed on X (formerly Twitter), "I was struck on the head by a security guard when CRAVITY arrived at Gimpo Airport on June 23. Even after that, the security guard repeatedly assaulted me, forcing me to flee, but the guard pursued me, mocking me by saying, 'Do it more.'" A added, "I am going to the hospital for a diagnosis and will report the security firm to the police."
A video taken by the fan shows the security guard saying, "Come out," "What are you doing?" and aggressively pushing a fan holding a camera. The footage also captures the security guard filming A with a camera. The controversy escalated when another video surfaced showing CRAVITY's security guard pushing another female fan forcefully, prompting the agency to respond.
The security guard explained to JTBC that day, "I only lifted A's hand upward and had no intention of hitting them." Recently, there have been ongoing incidents in the entertainment industry where security guards excessively suppress fans, leading to controversies. On the 12th, actor Byun Woo-seok's security firm faced scrutiny after claims that they shone flashlights at airport passengers and blocked airport gates, prompting a police investigation.
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