Jang Won-young of IVE [Yonhap News] 

The Korea Airports Corporation will strengthen guidance on identity verification procedures following a recent controversy involving idol group IVE's Jang Won-young during her departure from Gimpo Airport.

The corporation announced on the 16th that it will enhance guidance on passenger identity verification procedures through various methods, including posting on its website.

This statement comes in response to a complaint filed regarding the controversy that arose during Jang Won-young's recent departure for Shanghai, China.

On the 30th of last month, a controversy over Jang's attitude emerged online after footage showed her slightly lowering her mask to a security screener at Gimpo Airport.

In response, a complaint was filed on the 15th with the Security Management Department of Gimpo Airport Operations Division at the Korea Airports Corporation, requesting the standardization of identity verification procedures and official guidance for the international departure hall at Gimpo Airport.

The corporation explained that it conducts the same identity verification as Incheon International Airport at all 14 airports nationwide, including Gimpo Airport, in accordance with the 'Aviation Security Standard Procedures Manual'.

During identity verification, passengers are verbally instructed to remove items covering their face, such as hats, masks, and sunglasses. If identification with the ID photo is difficult during this process, they are asked to remove them completely, the corporation added.