IU’s agency apologizes to fans for misunderstanding ‘illegal ticket transaction’, “Amicable agreement, prevention of recurrence”
Singer IU's agency expressed intentions to apologize and reach an amicable agreement with a fan who was identified as an illegal ticket trader while attempting to attend the concert and was subsequently expelled from the fan club
On April 3rd, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment released a statement titled “Statement Regarding the Issue of Illegal Ticket Trading for the 2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN SEOUL” through IU’s official fan cafe.
IU’s agency stated, “Regarding the issue of illegal ticket trading for IU’s 2024 Seoul concert, we have received all relevant information from Melon Ticket regarding a recent post by a fan on an online platform. We ask for your understanding as both our agency and Melon Ticket, along with the concert team, have been going through the process of verifying the facts presented in the post, which has taken some time.“
Recently, it was revealed through an online community that a fan, referred to as A, received an email from Melon Ticket suspecting illegal ticket trading while trying to attend IU’s concert.
A provided various documents, including identification, ticket payment records, official fan club card and conversation records with a friend who helped with ticketing, in an attempt to prove innocence and gain entry to the concert.
However, despite explaining that a friend had made the payment on their behalf, A was ultimately denied entry to the venue due to suspicions of proxy ticketing and did not receive a refund, prompting them to file a complaint with the Korea Consumer Agency.
A’s demands included a full refund of the concert ticket, fan club membership fee, round-trip transportation expenses for the concert day and lightstick.
IU’s agency has been praised for their thorough crackdown on illegal ticket reservations through the “secret royal inspector system”, but this incident has revealed flaws in the system and sparked criticism.
Accordingly, IU’s agency expressed, “The ‘secret royal inspector system’ was implemented by our agency, Melon Ticket and the concert team to prevent illegal transactions to some extent, and we feel a heavy responsibility for this incident. If the fan felt discomfort from the handling process to this announcement, we sincerely apologize.“
They further stated, “We will make efforts to reach an amicable agreement and resolve the issue promptly. We will also handle the case received by the Korea Consumer Agency with our best efforts. Additionally, we extend our apologies to all fans who have experienced inconvenience during the concert ticket reservation process.”
Regarding the canceled seat mentioned by some, IU’s agency clarified that no staff members or venue personnel had transferred tickets to acquaintances.
They emphasized that they have maintained the original physical tickets for all seats and have been actively informing about the detection of illegal ticket transactions through various channels.
IU’s agency also acknowledged fans’ feedback regarding concert ticket reservations and announced plans to accept suggestions for improving the system, including easing verification procedures for non-minor audience members, providing guidelines for proof procedures, enhancing customer service responses from Melon Ticket and revising the secret royal inspector system.
They concluded by expressing their commitment to preventing further harm and ensuring careful consideration in implementing improvements, acknowledging the necessity for collective efforts from the agency, Melon Ticket and the concert team to address these issues and prevent their recurrence.
