[theqoo] “KOREAN FANS FIRST”… INTERNATIONAL FANS OUTRAGED BY DOMESTIC PRE-SALE K-POP CONCERT TICKETS “REVERSE DISCRIMINATION”

Major entertainment companies such as JYP, HYBE, and SM are introducing the system one after another.
Domestic fans: “We can buy tickets without losing out to scalpers.” (Positive response)
International fans: “It takes away our chance to buy tickets and is unfair.” (Backlash)

Recently, several popular K-pop idol groups have announced concert ticketing policies that give priority to domestic fan club members, sparking debate among fans both in Korea and overseas. Supporters argue that the policy could help reduce overseas-based ticket scalping, while critics say it excessively restricts international fans’ ability to purchase tickets.

[…]

Reactions from domestic and international fans have been sharply divided.

Domestic fans generally welcomed the move, saying it would make it easier to purchase concert tickets without having to compete with scalpers. Some overseas-based ticket resellers have reportedly used global fan club presales to secure large numbers of tickets and then resell them at inflated prices, making it difficult for Korean fans to obtain tickets.

International fans, however, argued that the policy is unfair because they are being denied opportunities simply because they do not live in Korea, despite supporting what are marketed as global groups. To participate in domestic fan club presales, fans must typically verify Korean residency through requirements such as a Korean phone number or I-PIN (an online identity verification system).

Ticket scalping has been a persistent issue in the K-pop concert industry. Last year, the Korea Creative Content Agency reported that tickets for performances by K-pop acts such as BLACKPINK, aespa, RIIZE, and ZEROBASEONE in 2025 were being resold on secondary marketplaces at prices ranging from 18 to 51 times the original face value. In March, authorities also uncovered a ticket-reselling organization that earned 7.1 billion won (~US$5 million) in illegal profits by reselling K-pop concert tickets.

Some observers believe these new policies are linked to amendments to Korea’s Performance Act and National Sports Promotion Act, which are scheduled to take effect in August. Commonly referred to as the “Anti-Ticket Scalping Law,” the legislation prohibits fraudulent ticket purchasing and resale regardless of whether automated software (macros) is used. It also allows authorities to impose penalties of up to 50 times the amount of the illegal sale. In addition, ticketing platforms and online marketplace operators are now required to monitor and prevent improper ticket purchases and resales. As a result, entertainment agencies are reportedly developing their own anti-scalping measures.

A representative from an entertainment agency said:
“Domestic fan club presales are intended to minimize the inconvenience fans experience due to overseas-based ticket scalpers. It does not mean that all seats are allocated exclusively to domestic fans.”

The representative added:
“This is simply an experimental measure aimed at preventing ticket scalping, not an attempt to discriminate between domestic and international fans. Depending on its effectiveness and any issues that arise, other approaches may be introduced in the future.”

1. Treat your Korean fans better 

2. It’s because these ARE Korean concerts

3. Why should we care about them?

4. What’s the issue?

5. So should Korean fans continue to endure thsi?

6. Bullsh*t, this is a Korean concert, of course they should treat Korean fans better f*ck 

7. They’re Korean concerts

8. What reverse discrimination?

9. Why are i-roaches meddling with this? They’re so nosy 

10. You guys go to your own country’s artists’ shows then