@UltraRant the op-up procedures on SK are really a mystery in itself. Got an op-up on ARN-TXL the other day. Volunteered as VDB and was asked to sit at the gate until everyone had boarded, once it was my turn I got the red light and a new seat assignment. Was flying as Star Gold, and the upgrade was a nice surprise though a bit strange since there were at least a dozen EBG on the flight.

Ironically enough three non-status pax (three youngish guys traveling as a group) were occupying row 1 which must indicate that they were upgrades as well. It seems more like SK upgrade people on the VDB list rather than status pax. Without making any generalizations I'm guessing those guys must've ended up on the list for their lack of status, low fare class and obliviousness to online check-in.