A Guide To Escorting Idols: Airport Edition

K-pop idols are often mobbed by fans at airports. This is because companies capitalise on airport appearances as lucrative PR opportunities. Fans can find out about their idols' flight information and make time to go to the airport, where they wait outside the gate to greet them. This can lead to idols being pushed around, touched, and groped by fans. However, some fans argue that it is not creepy and is completely fine as long as they are not exhibiting strange behaviour.

How to find out an idol's flight information

Flight information for celebrities and other known figures is considered private information. However, there are several ways that fans can find out their idols' flight information. Some fans use deductive reasoning to figure out what flight their idol is on, knowing the departure and destination location, and approximate timing. Some fans have even been known to get jobs at airlines, phone companies, etc, so they can have inside information. Fansite masters may get their information from managers, if the artist doesn't mind the information being shared with the public. Some fans get their information from illegal sources, such as Twitter accounts that offer to sell idols' seating information for a small fee. Flight numbers cost about 30,000 won (~$27.00 USD) and seat numbers cost about 20,000-25,000 won (~$17.69-$22.00 USD) per member.

How to get through the airport without being mobbed

If you want to get through the airport without being mobbed, there are several things you can do. Firstly, try to avoid travelling through busy airports, such as Incheon Airport in Seoul, which is a hotspot for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite idols. If you can, charter a private flight and go through a private check-in in a part of the airport that is inaccessible to the public. If you have to fly commercially, try to keep your flight information as private as possible.

When you arrive at the airport, try to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Avoid wearing anything that might identify you as an idol, and consider travelling with a group of people, such as stylists, managers, and security personnel, to help you navigate through the crowds. If you are travelling with a group, make sure they are aware of the potential risks and have a plan in place to deal with any crowds or media attention.

If you are confronted by a crowd of fans, stay calm and keep moving. Do not engage with the crowd, and avoid making eye contact or responding to any calls or questions. If you are travelling with security personnel, they should be able to help you navigate through the crowd and ensure your safety. If you do not have security personnel, try to find a member of airport staff who can help escort you to safety.

Finally, be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts. If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it as quickly as possible and seek help from airport authorities or local law enforcement if necessary.

How to deal with photographers and media

When escorting an idol at an airport, it is important to be aware of the potential presence of photographers and media outlets. While some agencies may tip off entertainment media in advance in the hopes of generating coverage for their idols, it is also common for photographers to simply show up at the airport, hoping to capture images of the idol.

To deal with photographers and media, it is essential to maintain a professional and respectful attitude. Here are some specific strategies to consider:

• Communication: Establish clear and consistent communication with the idol's management team and the airport authorities. Ensure that everyone involved is aware of the idol's arrival and departure schedule, as well as any specific requests or requirements regarding media interaction.
• Crowd control: Work closely with security personnel to create a safe and controlled environment for the idol. Implement measures to prevent overcrowding and ensure that the idol has a clear path to their destination. This may involve setting up designated areas for media and fans, maintaining a safe distance from the idol, and providing adequate security personnel to monitor the situation.
• Media engagement: Determine the level of media interaction that the idol and their management are comfortable with. If the idol is open to engaging with the media, establish a designated area for interviews or photo opportunities. This can help create a more organised and controlled environment, reducing the risk of chaos or unwanted attention.
• Privacy and boundaries: Respect the idol's privacy and personal space. Communicate any requests for privacy to the media and fans, and ensure that these boundaries are enforced. This may include requesting that photographers and fans maintain a reasonable distance, refrain from taking invasive or intrusive photographs, and avoid disruptive behaviour such as shouting or chasing.
• Security protocols: Implement comprehensive security measures to protect the idol from potential threats or unwanted attention. This includes employing trained security personnel who are focused on the idol's safety rather than taking photographs or videos themselves, as has been noted in some instances. Ensure that the security team is visible and actively monitoring the situation to deter any inappropriate behaviour from photographers or fans.

By following these strategies, you can effectively deal with photographers and media outlets while escorting an idol at an airport, ensuring the safety and comfort of the idol throughout their journey.

How to keep your idol safe from groping fans

Escorting idols at the airport is a challenging task, given the large crowds of fans that often gather to catch a glimpse of their favourite celebrities. To keep your idol safe from groping fans, here are some measures that can be implemented:

• Private Transportation: Companies can arrange for private flights and check-ins at secluded areas of the airport, away from public access. This ensures the idol's arrival and departure are kept discreet, reducing the chances of encountering large crowds.
• Enhanced Security: Employing a sufficient number of trained security personnel is essential. Bodyguards and staff members should be positioned around the idol to create a protective barrier, preventing fans from getting too close and maintaining a safe distance.
• Strict Guidelines for Fans: It is important to establish and communicate clear guidelines for fan behaviour. Fans should be made aware that any form of physical contact, including groping, pushing, or chasing, is strictly prohibited. Security personnel should be authorised to remove fans who violate these guidelines from the premises.
• Discreet Travel Information: Agencies and companies should refrain from publicly disclosing travel information, such as flight details and arrival times. Limiting access to this information can help reduce the number of fans gathering at the airport.
• Swift and Efficient Travel: Idols should be escorted swiftly through the airport, with efficient coordination between their management team and airport staff. Reducing the time spent in public areas can minimise the risk of unwanted encounters and ensure a smoother journey.
• Fan Education: Educating fans about appropriate behaviour is crucial. Encouraging respectful interactions and emphasising the importance of personal space can help create a safer environment for idols. Fans should understand that their actions can impact the idol's well-being and that invading their personal space is unacceptable.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly enhance the safety of your idol and reduce the risk of groping or other forms of inappropriate behaviour by fans at the airport.

How to avoid being creepy

If you want to escort an idol at the airport without being creepy, it's important to remember that the idol is a person, and to treat them with the same respect and boundaries that you would want for yourself. Here are some tips to avoid being creepy:

• Respect the idol's personal space and privacy. Don't crowd, push, or touch them. Remember that they are often tired from travelling and may not want to be greeted by a large group of people.
• Don't take pictures or videos without their consent. It's invasive and can make them feel uncomfortable.
• Avoid spreading information about their flight details or location. This can lead to a mob-like situation and cause stress and anxiety for the idol.
• If you do happen to see them at the airport, a simple greeting or wave is enough. You don't need to shout, scream, or chase them.
• Respect their time and boundaries. If they seem busy, tired, or uninterested in interacting, don't force it.
• Remember that they are human and may not always be "on" or ready to perform. They are travelling for a reason, and it's not always for publicity or fan service.

By following these guidelines, you can show your support for your idol without making them feel uncomfortable or violated. Remember, it's important to treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Frequently asked questions