A woman in her 30s has been apprehended by authorities for using automated software to purchase and resell approximately 2,600 concert tickets over the past three years, including nine coveted tickets for BTS’s comeback show in Gwanghwamun.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Cyber Investigation Unit reported on Wednesday that they have forwarded the case of Ms. A, an office worker in her 30s, to prosecutors without detention. She faces charges of violating the Information and Communications Network Act, obstructing business operations, and breaching the Performance Act.
Ms. A is accused of utilizing macro software to secure a total of nine BTS concert tickets on February 23, using accounts registered under the names of family members and acquaintances.
Law enforcement uncovered Ms. A’s illicit activities while monitoring the ticketing process for the highly anticipated BTS Gwanghwamun concert.
The police investigation revealed that Ms. A’s operations extended beyond BTS shows. From 2023 until March of this year, she allegedly acquired and sold around 2,600 tickets for various artists through fraudulent means.
Authorities have moved to seize and preserve criminal proceeds estimated at 442 million KRW (approximately 328,300 USD) prior to prosecution.
A spokesperson for the police emphasized their commitment to rigorously investigate and crack down on illegal ticket purchasing and distribution schemes.
In related news, revised versions of the Performance Act and the National Sports Promotion Act are set to take effect on August 28. Under these new regulations, individuals engaged in fraudulent ticket sales could face penalties of up to 50 times the amount of their illicit transactions.