• IU’s agency apologizes and promises improvements in verification process amid ticket scalping controversy

    EDAM Entertainment, the agency representing singer IU, has committed to system improvements following a controversy where a fan was wrongfully accused of ticket scalping.

    On the morning of April 9th, EDAM Entertainment issued an apology and a detailed plan for reform. They expressed deep regret for the harm caused to a fan due to their stringent verification procedures.

    One of the major changes announced is the abolition of the undercover system. EDAM stated that they will adopt a more lenient approach in case a verification procedure is triggered. They also clarified that ticket bookings without any monetary transactions will not be considered as illegal transactions.

    The agency also addressed the process of identity verification for ticket collection. They assured that if a fan finds it difficult to verify their identity with an ID card, alternative measures will be put in place.

    Fans will be able to collect their tickets after verifying their identity using a family relationship certificate and resident registration copy. For new passports, identification will be possible without a passport certificate.

    EDAM also vowed to revamp the permanent ban system of the fan club. From now on, the ban system will operate as a 'penalty application' (for example, restriction on joining by fan club generation) instead of a 'permanent ban'. They also announced the lifting of all permanent ban actions against existing IU official fan club members.

    EDAM reiterated their apology for the distress caused to fans and artists due to their management policy. They promised that EDAM, Melon Ticket, and the performance team will do their utmost to compensate the fan who was harmed during the ticket booking process.

    Last month, a fan of IU successfully booked a ticket for IU's concert but made a mistake with the bank transfer amount and asked a friend to deposit it instead. The fan received an email from Melon Ticket suspecting illegal trading. To prove their innocence, the fan submitted various documents including their ID card, ticket deposit details, official fan club card, and conversation content with the friend who helped with ticketing.

    Despite this, the fan was denied entry to the concert on the day due to suspicions of proxy ticketing. The fan, who couldn't even get a refund, expressed their grievance after being permanently banned from the official fan club. This incident sparked criticism from netizens towards IU's side for their excessive verification process.

    Source[1]

  • BTS's Jimin Makes History by Winning 'Fan’s Choice Grand Prize' at the 2024 MAMA Awards

    BTS member Jimin made history at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS, becoming the first solo artist ever to win the prestigious Visa Fan’s Choice of the Year award.

    On November 22, Jimin was honored with the Fan’s Choice of the Year award at the 2024 MAMA AWARDS JAPAN, held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan. This marks a huge milestone in his career, especially considering his ongoing military service.

    Jimin made history as the first solo artist to win the Fan’s Choice of the Year award, a category that BTS had dominated for six years since its debut in 2018.

    In addition to this achievement, Jimin also took home the Fan’s Choice Grand Prize, making him a two-time winner at this year’s awards.

    Although Jimin couldn't attend the ceremony due to his military service, his name was met with loud cheers from fans when announced.

    His incredible win continues to prove his global influence as a solo artist. Jimin had also won Best Male Artist at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS, marking back-to-back wins at the event.

    The MAMA AWARDS praised Jimin for his groundbreaking achievements, saying, “As the first K-pop solo artist to reach 4 billion streams and set the longest-running #1 record for a Korean artist, Jimin has proven his influence as a world-class artist and global pop star.”

    Jimin's win also made him the first solo artist to claim a grand prize at the MAMA AWARDS in 10 years, with his achievement sparking excitement worldwide.

    On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag “CONGRATULATIONS JIMIN” topped the trends, while “우리지민이상받았네” (Our Jimin Got the Award) reached the #1 spot in Korea.

    Jimin’s ongoing success continues to shine even during his military service. He was also recently named Best K-pop at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards and continues to be recognized for his charitable efforts, including a recent donation of 100 million KRW to the National Defense Soldier and Veteran Love Fund.

    Source: [1]