"Was the video real?" Controversy over Chinese travelers cutting in line at Incheon International Airport... safety fences installed at counters

[Financial News] Safety fences have been installed at some departure areas at Incheon International Airport after controversy erupted over so-called "group line-cutting," in which Chinese peddlers and other travelers ignored the queue and rushed forward all at once. Airport authorities also stepped up on-site management to prevent a repeat of the same situation.
According to Incheon International Airport Corporation on the 18th, five incidents of line-cutting were confirmed at check-in counters at Incheon International Airport between the 2nd and 10th of last month. Dozens of travelers, including Chinese peddlers, were found to have crouched low, pushed their suitcases, and run beneath the barrier line instead of moving along the queue.
A video of the "group line-cutting," filmed on the morning of the 8th of last month, spread rapidly through social networking service (SNS). The reaction online was so strong that a debate broke out over whether the video was authentic.
Airport authorities believe that, amid a surge of passengers, Chinese peddlers and others rushed to the counters as soon as they opened in order to complete check-in first. During the process, some staff members were reportedly knocked by the crowd and suffered bruises or abrasions.
To prevent a repeat of the "group line-cutting," the corporation recently installed safety fences at the entrance to Counter E on the third floor departure hall of Terminal 1, Incheon International Airport. It also completed the installation of sheet signage to make the fences more visible.

In addition, the corporation is broadcasting digital warning messages stating that check-in is not allowed if passenger safety is threatened. Safety personnel have been deployed on site and are checking the situation regularly.

[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter