‘Remove ID checks at concerts,’ fans say in viral petition
Fans watch performance footage marking the group’s 12th anniversary at 2025 BTS Festa in Goyang, Gyeongi Province, June 13. Yonhap
A growing number of K-pop fans are calling for the removal of real-name identification procedures at concerts, with a petition demanding the change recently going viral and gathering widespread attention.
The proposal, which has been viewed over 3.6 million times, has sparked debate over privacy rights, scalping prevention and the need for regulatory reform.
The issue surfaced after President Lee Jae Myung invited the public to submit ideas for policy changes via social media earlier this month. Among the proposals, one of the most talked-about was a demand to abolish the identity verification system at idol concerts, a suggestion that has resonated with many in the fandom.
The ID check system, commonly used at K-pop concerts, involves comparing the name on the ticket with a valid photo ID to ensure that the ticket holder is the actual purchaser. The practice was originally introduced to combat scalping, where brokers resell tickets at inflated prices.
However, fans argue the process has gone too far. A petition submitted to the National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee criticizes the current system for "excessive collection of personal information without prior consent" and for subjecting fans to treatment that "borders on human rights violations."
Some fans say they have been asked to provide sensitive information beyond their official ID to verify their identity.
They also question the effectiveness of ID checks. Scalping continues at the ticket reservation stage through the use of illegal software and automated bots, they say, rendering the on-site identity check merely symbolic.
In fact, fans argue that the practice drives up prices in the secondary market by creating additional hurdles for legitimate buyers and opening the door for "proxy ticketing," where third parties secure tickets using someone else’s ID.
BTS member J-Hope performs during the final show of his world tour encore in Goyang Sports Complex, June 13. Courtesy of BigHit Music
Call for collaborative reform
The petition calls for several changes. First, it urges regulation of excessive ID verification practices that go beyond what is officially announced.
It also demands increased accountability from event organizers and ticketing platforms. In addition, it calls for consumer-focused policy design aimed at protecting real concertgoers. Finally, it seeks stronger penalties for scalpers.
Despite the outcry, entertainment companies remain cautious. "A complete removal of the ID check system is unrealistic at this time," one industry insider said, adding that while they acknowledge the inconvenience, the checks still protect consumers.
The official said the system helps deter at least some scalping activity, and removing ID checks altogether could lead to increased counterfeiting and exploitation.
Nonetheless, entertainment companies recognize the need for reform, especially regarding the demand for excessive personal data during identity checks.
"While it’s difficult to eliminate ID verification entirely, we do agree that changes are necessary to address growing concerns from fans," the official said. "We need to reduce requests for sensitive data and redesign the process to minimize privacy violations while still curbing scalping."
Experts in the industry suggest that long-term solutions must involve cooperation among entertainment agencies, ticketing platforms and related stakeholders.
"To effectively address scalping and improve current procedures, a multi-stakeholder dialogue is essential," said an entertainment agency official. "Only then can we develop alternatives that are both practical and protective."
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.