BLACKPINK Taiwan Concert Scalped Tickets Sold for 16.97 Million KRW
Last Year's Super Junior Concert Also Plagued by Scalping
Taiwan Fans Say "Let's Introduce Real-Name Ticketing" in Disappointment
In Taiwan, the resale price of BLACKPINK concert tickets has surged up to 45 times the original price, causing growing dissatisfaction among fans. Some fans are demanding the introduction of a real-name ticket system.
According to Taiwanese media such as Liberty Times on the 6th, the resale price of tickets for BLACKPINK's world tour concert scheduled to be held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on the 18th and 19th has soared up to 45 times the face value.
Reports state that the ticket price for the BLACKPINK concert is 8,800 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 370,000 KRW), but resale tickets are being traded at up to 400,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 1,697,000 KRW), which is 45 times higher.
Taiwanese media pointed out that ticket scalping becomes rampant whenever popular K-pop concerts are held in Taiwan. Previously, the Super Junior 'Super Junior World Tour - Super Show 9: Road' concert held at Taipei Arena on November 26-27 last year also suffered from scalping issues.
At that time, the media reported that tickets originally priced at 800 New Taiwan Dollars (about 34,000 KRW) were resold at up to 6,400 New Taiwan Dollars (about 271,200 KRW), an 8-fold increase, and the most expensive tickets priced at 6,200 New Taiwan Dollars (about 262,700 KRW) soared to 100,000 New Taiwan Dollars (about 4,238,000 KRW).
In response, voices among Taiwanese fans have been calling for the introduction of a real-name ticket system. They argue that alternatives are needed to eradicate illegal resale and the trading of counterfeit tickets. Some citizens have proposed limiting resale through a real-name ticket system on the 'Civil Policy Internet Participation Platform.'
However, opinions among related companies regarding the real-name ticket system are divided. One company stated, "It is not easy because more time and personnel are required for ticket verification at concert entry." On the other hand, another company said, "If a real-name ticket system is introduced, it would definitely be effective in preventing scalping, and the majority of fans welcome the system," but added, "However, the willingness of the companies is important."
As the controversy grows, the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture announced, "We have held four meetings with relevant departments regarding the scalping issue, and the Ministry of Culture has also held three advisory meetings with related agencies and companies," adding, "We will continue to cooperate with event organizers and others to find effective ways to prevent scalping."
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