Amid persistent heatwaves, the number of homeless individuals sheltering at Incheon International Airport has reportedly increased.

In response, the Incheon International Airport Corporation has initiated eviction measures.

This has sparked widespread debate over whether the move is driven by airport security concerns or human rights protections.

According to Homeless Action, a civic group advocating for the rights of homeless people, the Incheon International Airport Corporation attached eviction notices to the belongings of homeless individuals living at Incheon Airport on July 30.

The notices stated that failure to comply with the eviction request could result in fines, detention, petty fines, or criminal punishment under the Airport Facility Act.

Critics point out that because airports require strict management, including access control and security screening, facility operators cannot simply leave the homelessness issue unaddressed.

However, homeless advocacy groups argue that maintaining airport order and expelling homeless individuals are two entirely different issues.

They contend that forcing unhoused people out of the airport without viable alternative measures could drive them to sleep on the streets in other areas.

(Photo courtesy of: Homeless Action)