While BTS delivered two highly anticipated performances in Busan as part of their ongoing world tour and FESTA 2026 celebrations, authorities were simultaneously dealing with a different issue outside the venue, which was illegal ticket resales.
South Korean police arrested 11 people accused of scalping concert tickets during the group’s recent two-day event at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The operation came amid overwhelming demand for BTS tickets, which drew thousands of fans eager to see RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook perform during the group’s ARIRANG era.
According to local reports, authorities launched a special enforcement effort aimed at preventing unauthorized ticket resales and protecting concertgoers from inflated prices.
Large-Scale Operation Targets Illegal Ticket Sales
According to The Chosun Daily, approximately 70 police officers were deployed around the stadium throughout the event to monitor and curb scalping activities.
Investigators focused on entry points and areas surrounding the venue, where they allegedly identified several individuals attempting to profit from resold tickets. The operation was part of a broader effort to address growing concerns about ticket scalping at major entertainment events.
The authorities said that the demand for BTS tickets created an environment in which illegal resellers sought to capitalize on fans who were unable to secure tickets through official channels.
Police Uncover Wristband Resale Scheme
During the investigation, officers reportedly discovered a method some scalpers used to bypass security measures.
Rather than reselling electronic tickets directly, suspects allegedly removed or carefully preserved admission wristbands after entering the venue. Those wristbands were then sold to other individuals outside the stadium.
The police said that the practice allowed new buyers to enter the venue during peak crowd periods, when staff were primarily checking wristbands instead of verifying digital ticket information.
The authorities stated that the scheme exploited congestion around entry gates and gave unauthorized resellers an unfair advantage over legitimate ticket holders.
Tickets Allegedly Sold for More Than Triple Their Original Price
Among those detained was a South Korean woman in her 40s who allegedly resold a BTS ticket originally priced at 220,000 KRW for 680,000 KRW.
Investigators also uncovered additional cases in which tickets were reportedly sold for between 350,000 KRW and 550,000 KRW, substantially higher than their official face value.
The investigation found that the resale activity was not limited to South Korean nationals. Authorities said several foreign nationals were also involved in the operation.
Reports indicated that some Chinese citizens allegedly transferred admission wristbands to concertgoers outside the venue as part of the unauthorized resale activity.
Authorities Pledge Continued Action Against Scalpers
According to reports, all 11 individuals detained during the operation were fined 160,000 KRW (approximately $125) each under South Korea’s Minor Offenses Act.
Police said they plan to continue monitoring ticket resale activities at major public events and remain committed to tackling scalping operations that target high-demand concerts and entertainment gatherings.
Fans Voice Frustration Over Rising Resale Prices
BTS concerts have long been among the most sought-after live events in the world, with tickets frequently selling out within minutes. The group’s return in the ARIRANG era has only intensified demand, creating opportunities for illegal resellers to profit from eager fans.
Many ARMY members have repeatedly expressed frustration over ticket scalping, arguing that inflated resale prices make it increasingly difficult for genuine fans to attend concerts.
The Busan operation highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding ticket resales at major events and underscores authorities’ efforts to ensure fair access for concertgoers amid BTS’ continued global popularity.
