IU’s agency has apologized for the recent controversy over tickets for her concert.
Recently, an individual who had a friend help her purchase a ticket for IU’s concert was blocked from entering the concert and permanently expelled from IU’s fan club for “illicit ticket trading.” Following this incident, other individuals also spoke up about similar experiences, drawing controversy on online communities.
On April 9, IU’s agency EDAM Entertainment released an official statement conveying an apology for recent issues and promising to make efforts to prevent recurrence.
Read the full statement below:
"This is EDAM Entertainment.
First of all, we sincerely apologize to fans who have been affected by our excessive verification procedures regarding the ticket reservations for IU’s 2024 World Tour Seoul Solo Concert (hereinafter referred to as the “Seoul Solo Concert”). We deeply apologize to fans who always show great support for the artist and express our regret for causing concern. We also apologize to the artist herself for disappointing and hurting her with this incident.
Starting from April 9, 2024 (hereinafter the same date), we would like to present a revised plan based on the suggestions received from many fans. Please refer to the details below.
1. Abolishment of the reward policy on illicit ticket trading (also known as “secret royal inspector policy”)
We will completely abolish the “reward policy” for the “illicit ticket trading” (secret royal inspector policy). Moreover, we will strengthen our internal monitoring team for cases of illicit trading and premium ticket reservations. In an incident where a verification procedure is required, instead of the previous excessive verification process, we will improve it through the following steps:
2. Identity verification process for ticket collection
We acknowledge the need for improvement in the identity verification process for children and adolescent audiences and will strive to make improvements based on various cases from other companies.
3. Improvement of the permanent expulsion policy in the official fan club
Although we have implemented the policy in order to strongly prevent premium trading and illicit ticketing in both on and offline environments, we deeply sympathize with the recent incidents and take responsibility more than ever. Therefore, we would like to improve the “IU’s Official Fan Club Permanent Expulsion Policy.” Starting from now, the official fan club’s expulsion policy will be operated as “penalties (e.g., membership restrictions by fan club generations)” instead of “permanent expulsion.”
All our staff are aware of the need for policy reform and the problematic nature of this incident. We will do our best to prevent recurrence and continuously improve based on the opinions and suggestions from fans.
Once again, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by our operating policies and the deep wounds inflicted on fans and the artist. We will continue to monitor and make improvements to show our efforts to make betterment. In addition to the above reform plan, we will further share additional areas that can be improved in the future.
Furthermore, we, together with Melon Ticket and concert organizing committee, will also compensate the fans who have suffered during the ticket reservation process according to their desired direction.
Taking this incident as an opportunity, we promise that we will become an agency that prioritizes the perspectives of fans and the artist even more so in the future. We sincerely apologize."
cr: Soompi