On the afternoon of February 9, Byeon Woo Seok departed through Incheon International Airport en route to Beijing, China, where he was scheduled to attend the opening event of a fashion brand store. This was not a private appearance but an officially coordinated schedule, with the public relations agency sharing detailed information in advance—including his airport arrival time, flight number, and even the vehicle details.
Ahead of his departure, reporters made a single request through the actor’s agency and the PR team: that Byeon Woo Seok refrain from wearing a mask. The request stemmed from a previous incident on January 16, when he departed for Milan with his face completely covered by a mask, making coverage difficult. This time, journalists hoped for smoother coverage and clearer brand promotion through open communication.
However, when Byeon Woo Seok appeared at the airport, expectations were not met. Wearing a mask and a beanie pulled down low, he covered nearly his entire face, leaving only his eyes visible. The moment rendered prior requests meaningless.
Even as he stood at the crosswalk and was asked once again to remove his mask, Byeon Woo Seok repeatedly bowed and apologized, saying, “I’m sorry,” but ultimately never removed the mask.
In today’s entertainment industry, “airport fashion” is no longer a simple snapshot of a celebrity’s departure. It has become an official promotional event, closely tied to brand sponsorships and media exposure. This is precisely why PR agencies disclose brand names and schedules in advance, inviting press coverage.
As a result, criticism has emerged from within the industry, pointing out a contradiction: while sponsored items are worn for promotion, the refusal to reveal one’s face—considered the final and most important element of airport fashion—raises concerns about basic courtesy and professional responsibility.
Of course, it is possible that the actor was not feeling well or was dealing with personal condition issues. However, critics argue that in such cases, prior communication through official channels or flexible coordination regarding mask-wearing would have been a more appropriate approach.
As Byeon Woo Seok rapidly rises as a global star and continues to receive intense public attention, expectations extend beyond visuals alone. The public increasingly looks for mature judgment, thoughtful responses, and professional awareness befitting his growing status in the industry.
Sources: MyDaily