K-pop group Hearts to Hearts is under fire after departing through Incheon Airport with a so-called 'ganggangsullae-style' security cordon, sparking a wave of controversy.
On the morning of the 18th, Hearts to Hearts arrived at Incheon Airport to fly to the United States. However, videos that later spread across online communities and social media show the members walking to the terminal inside a linked line of about a dozen security staff holding hands.
During this process, reports say parts of the terminal became congested, and travelers experienced difficulties entering the area.
Criticism poured in online, with comments like "More over-the-top security again?" and "Can't they just come and go quietly?"
This hand-in-hand tactic has caused controversy before. In 2017, B1A4 used a similar method at a Thai airport; last year, NCT DREAM drew backlash at Incheon Airport; and BOYNEXTDOOR was criticized at Everland for the same approach.