The controversy over the extensive escort for a prominent South Korean pastor intensified after footage of his departure from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) drew criticism over what observers described as excessive security arrangements.
Younghoon Lee, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church, recently visited Los Angeles to attend an event. However, debate arose when he returned to South Korea and was seen at LAX accompanied by a large group of security personnel and aides. The scene was first filmed by freelance journalist Joe Andaloro, who described it as the most unusual airport encounter of his career.
Andaloro previously worked as a producer for Fox Business Network and entertainment outlet TMZ for more than a decade. He now works independently and shares celebrity footage on social media, where he has about 150,000 Instagram followers.
Witness Calls Scene “Unprecedented”
In a written interview on February 10, Andaloro said he had encountered numerous high-profile figures at LAX. However, he emphasized that even former U.S. presidents and vice presidents did not travel with such a large entourage.
“I have seen former Vice President Al Gore, former President Jimmy Carter, and rock star Mick Jagger pass through LAX,” he said. “They all moved quietly with only a handful of people. In 15 years of covering the airport, this was by far the most unusual case.”
He added that such a display was not typical, even for celebrities or senior political figures.
When asked whether crowd control justified the security presence, Andaloro said there was little chance of public congestion. Instead, he suggested that the tight control and blocked pathways drew attention.
“There was virtually no possibility of a crowd forming,” he said. “In fact, the excessive control attracted attention and ended up gathering people. Some airport staff even asked me who he was.”
At first, Andaloro said he briefly wondered whether the arriving figure might be the South Korean president. However, he quickly dismissed the idea. A head of state, he noted, would not typically use a regular airport terminal or check in publicly.
Reaction After Identity Confirmed
When he later learned the individual was a pastor, Andaloro said he was surprised. He noted that he had previously seen American megachurch pastor Benny Hinn use LAX without comparable security measures.
“That situation was on a completely different level,” he said.
Andaloro also stated that he is a Christian and did not intend to criticize or judge. Nevertheless, he said he believed the arrangements appeared excessive.
Finally, Andalloro said that displays of wealth or power by leaders of large churches may affect Christianity’s public image. He argued that such scenes could appear disconnected from the core values of faith and leave a negative impression on the broader public.
The controversy continues to generate discussion both in the Korean American community and online.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
