IU Apologizes And Wants Amicable Resolution With Fan Accused Of Ticket Trading

EDAM Entertainment, IU’s management, apologized and offered to settle with a fan who was banned from the fan club after being misidentified for an illicit ticket seller and unable to attend a concert.

On April 3, EDAM Entertainment made a statement through IU’s official fan club about unlawful ticket trading for the “2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN SEOUL.” A fan’s online post sparked a lengthy review with Melon Ticket and the concert team. They asked for patience in verifying the facts and responding.

K-pop fans were outraged when Melon Ticket emailed Blogger A about suspected ticket trading while trying to attend IU’s show. Blogger A was turned away from the concert due to the interpretation of “a friend making the payment” as proxy ticketing, despite providing ID, ticket payment records, an official fan club card, and communication with a friend who helped with the ticketing.

Blogger A wanted a complete refund for the concert tickets, fan club membership, concert-day round-trip transportation, and lightstick.

IU was lauded for its “secret inspector system” to track unlawful ticket sales. However, this occurrence revealed system flaws and drew criticism.

EDAM Entertainment took responsibility for the situation and apologized if the fan was uncomfortable. They promised to resolve amicably and thoroughly answer the Korea Consumer Agency complaint. They also apologized to fans who had ticket booking issues.

To clarify, the staff and connected workers did not resell or transfer the canceled seats on the day to acquaintances. They said they have the original printed tickets for those seats and have warned against unlawful ticket selling through official channels and warnings. The venue handled the incident according to internal procedures, without personnel judgment.

EDAM Entertainment also acknowledged fan suggestions for ticket booking and announced plans to ease verification procedures for ages not covered by youth identification standards, improve Melon Ticket’s clarification process and customer service, and improve the secret inspector system. They asked for patience to announce adjustments and pledged to work with Melon Ticket and the concert team to prevent repeat incidents.

They pledged to prevent such events in the future.