The Rise of Illegal Ticket Scalping in South Korea
A man in his 30s has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly engaging in large-scale ticket scalping, generating illegal profits worth tens of millions of Korean won. The Daegu Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed the case, stating that the individual was non-custodially transferred due to suspicions of violating the National Sports Promotion Act.
The accused, known as Mr. A, is alleged to have used a macro program—a software tool that automates repetitive tasks on websites—to purchase tickets for Samsung Lions baseball games in bulk. This method allowed him to secure a significant number of tickets during the 2023 season, which he then resold at inflated prices. According to the police, the total illegal profit amounted to 56 million Korean won.
Exploiting High Demand for Tickets
The crime took place between March and October, capitalizing on the growing popularity of professional baseball in South Korea. As demand for tickets increased, so did the opportunities for scalpers to exploit the system. Mr. A started his scheme by purchasing four opening game tickets for the Samsung Lions, each priced at 9,000 Korean won. He sold them for 70,000 Korean won—approximately eight times the original price—earning a total of 280,000 Korean won from this initial transaction.
As the season progressed, Mr. A expanded his operations. Using five different accounts under his name, as well as those of family members and friends, he purchased and resold a total of 1,374 tickets across 439 instances. The average price per ticket exceeded 40,000 Korean won, significantly higher than the original cost.
Police Crackdown on Scalping Activities
In response to the growing issue of ticket scalping, the police formed a dedicated investigation team of five cybercrime investigators in March of this year. This team was established specifically to combat the sale of illegally obtained tickets during the professional baseball season. Mr. A was caught during this crackdown, highlighting the ongoing efforts by authorities to address the problem.
According to a police source, cases involving the use of macro programs to buy popular sports and performance tickets in bulk are becoming increasingly common. These tools allow individuals to bypass traditional ticketing systems, making it easier to acquire large quantities of tickets quickly.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Scalping
The police emphasized their commitment to continuing enforcement actions to discourage ticket scalping. They aim to foster a culture where fans can enjoy performances and sporting events without the burden of inflated ticket prices. By targeting individuals like Mr. A, authorities hope to send a clear message that such activities will not be tolerated.
Conclusion
The case of Mr. A underscores the challenges faced by ticketing systems in South Korea, particularly in high-demand events. While the use of technology has made it easier for scalpers to operate, it has also enabled law enforcement to detect and respond to these activities more effectively. As the popularity of sports and entertainment events continues to grow, the need for robust measures against ticket scalping remains critical.