Taiwan Warns Against EXO Event Requiring Chinese Travel Permit for Tickets

A potential requirement for Taiwanese fans to use a "Mainland Travel Permit" (Taibaozheng) for verification during ticket sales for a K-pop group EXO fan event in Kaohsiung has sparked concern and a strong response from Taiwan's government. The issue arose when a fan reported being asked for the permit by customer service representatives of "Xiaomang," identified as the event's organizing platform and affiliated with China's Hunan Broadcasting System.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) issued a firm statement, with spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh declaring that such an event would not be permitted in Taiwan if it necessitates the use of Chinese websites and the Taibaozheng for ticket purchases. "If it really requires logging onto a Chinese website with a Taibaozheng, we will not allow it to be held in Taiwan, even if you have already bought a ticket, it will be useless," Liang stated.

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If it really requires logging onto a Chinese website with a Taibaozheng, we will not allow it to be held in Taiwan, even if you have already bought a ticket, it will be useless.

The event organizer, FANME, which operates under the "Xinxiang Co., Ltd." brand, has issued a clarification. They stated that the event is solely organized by their company and ticket sales will be handled exclusively through their channels. According to FANME, the report about the Taibaozheng requirement is not factual. They suggested the situation might have arisen from fans attempting to secure tickets quickly by accessing a Chinese website, leading to a misunderstanding with customer service. The MAC indicated they are temporarily accepting this explanation but will continue to monitor the situation.

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The organizer stated that the event is organized by their company and ticket sales will only be handled through their company. The circulating online report is not factual.