Insights from the Incheon Airport Case in South Korea: balancing public safety and individual rights with global scalability analysis

Abstract

This article examines the use of facial recognition technology (FRT) in policing by government agencies, exploring the tensions between public safety and individual rights. While FRT enhances law enforcement capabilities in crime prevention and security, it also raises significant concerns regarding privacy invasion and potential misuse. Based on the Incheon Airport case in South Korea, this analysis investigates whether the public interest derived from policing can justify violations of regulations under personal data protection and administrative laws while proposing necessary safeguards. In pursuit of a comprehensive data governance framework for FRT, we are emphasizing the need to establish a more specific and operable data governance structure, strengthen the Privacy by Design principle, and balance security imperatives with individual rights as key alternatives. By shedding light on the Korean case within international discourse, this study underscores the importance of tailoring regulatory frameworks to accommodate local legal traditions and societal values. © The Author(s) 2025.