Frustrated by scalping, K-pop fans call for change in concert ticketing system
Singer IU performs during her "2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN TAIPEI" in early March. Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment
Following the music industry's intensified crackdown on ticket scalping, fans are encountering unforeseen hurdles, triggering debates over the necessity for a more fan-centric approach.
In a recent incident, a fan of the singer IU, who faced allegations of illegal ticket trading and was subsequently barred from attending a concert, has shed light on the complexities and unintended consequences of current anti-scalping measures.
An IU fan took to an online community to share a troubling experience, saying, "Despite successfully obtaining tickets, a payment issue resulted in my friend making the payment on my behalf. Regrettably, the ticket was flagged as being involved in illegal trading."
The fan was unable to attend the concert, did not receive a refund, and was even permanently expelled from IU's fan club. This ordeal drew attention to the broader issue of fans facing repercussions due to stringent ticketing policies.
The singer's agency, EDAM Entertainment, is known for its stringent measures aimed at curbing illegal ticket trading, which includes encouraging fans to report any misconduct. However, many argue that it is reasonable and commonplace to seek assistance from family or friends when purchasing hard-to-obtain concert tickets, and such actions should not be deemed illegal.
In response to the controversy, the agency issued a statement expressing regret.
"We sincerely apologize for any discomfort we may have caused the fan. We also apologize to all who may have experienced inconveniences during the concert ticket reservation process ... We will constructively consider criticism and amend the system based on diverse opinions," it stated.
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Despite the agency's intentions, the incident underscored the delicate balance between deterring scalpers and inadvertently causing inconveniences to genuine fans.
The broader issue at hand is the growing complexity of the ticket reservation and identity verification processes, criticized for being overly cumbersome.
Fighting scalpers
However, in the current climate of the industry, being complacent is not an option. Ticket scalpers have exploited fans' desperation for profit for a long time, resulting in an unstoppable surge in scalping incidents.
Park, a college student in her 20s, recently failed to secure tickets for an NCT 127 concert. She admitted briefly considering purchasing scalped tickets due to her deep disappointment at not being able to attend the show.
"I eventually didn't resort to buying scalped tickets. But honestly, I think it's the universal desire of a desperate fan to want to attend the concert even if it means paying extra," Park said.
"Some people would willingly do anything to see their favorite singer, and you never know when you'll get another chance to attend a concert ... Without proper measures to punish ticket scalpers who exploit fans' desperate desires, more people may succumb to the temptation of purchasing scalped tickets."
According to an analysis by the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), complaints regarding scalped tickets have steadily risen over the past five years, amounting to a total of 549 cases.
A notable increase in live concert demand following the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic is presumed to have substantially contributed to a surge in scalped tickets. Complaints related to scalped tickets, which numbered 43 and 41 cases in 2020 and 2021, respectively, during the pandemic, skyrocketed to 136 and 192 cases in 2022 and 2023.
K-pop boy band NCT 127 / Courtesy of SM Entertainment
In response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism recently amended the Public Performance Act, effective March 22, to clamp down on illicit ticket resale practices involving macro or automation programs. Under the new regulations, violators now face penalties of up to one year in prison or fines of up to 10 million won.
However, doubts persist regarding the effectiveness of the enforcement efforts.
Proving the involvement of macro programs in scalping cases poses a challenge, and addressing individual instances of illicit transactions remains difficult without meticulous monitoring.
Yoon Dong-hwan, president of the Record Label Industry Association of Korea, criticized the limited practical impact of the amended law and warned of potential threats of scalping to the entire concert industry.
"Regarding the March 2024 amendment to the Public Performance Act, while it does label purchases made using macros as illegal, in practical terms, pinpointing individual macro purchases made by anonymous scalpers is nearly impossible," Yoon said in a press release.
"As ticket scalping cases continue to rise, so do the fraudulent practices associated with scalped tickets. The advent of macros has enabled scalpers to become more organized and commercialized. These illicit activities disrupt the foundation of the industry, necessitating serious legal consequences."
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Lottery system tested
Calls for a fundamental overhaul of the ticket-buying system have also emerged as a solution to effectively combat scalping practices.
A lottery system has been suggested as an alternative to the current first-come, first-served method to reduce scalping, with other countries such as Japan already using this approach.
In a recent survey conducted by the ACRC from March 13 to 19, 87.84 percent of 2,352 respondents expressed confidence in the effectiveness of a lottery system.
HYBE, the entertainment giant representing BTS and Seventeen, introduced a lottery system for concert tickets in Korea. But fans have complained about not being able to choose their seats or get a full refund if they decide to cancel.