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]
