Woman Sent to Prosecutors for Reselling 2,600 Concert Tickets, Earning Over $320,000

A 30-year-old woman has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly profiting over 440 million won (approximately $320,000 USD) by illegally purchasing and reselling concert tickets using automated programs, commonly known as macros. The tickets included those for a BTS comeback concert held in March.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's cyber investigation unit, the suspect, identified only as 'A', was sent to prosecutors on August 21st. She is accused of violating the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, the Performance Act, and obstructing business.

Police investigations revealed that 'A' used macro programs to purchase nine tickets under the names of family and acquaintances for BTS's comeback concert in Gwanghwamun Square on March 21st. She then allegedly resold these tickets. The investigation further uncovered that from April 2023 to March of this year, she illicitly purchased and resold approximately 2,600 concert tickets in total.

The police have requested the pre-indictment confiscation and preservation of the estimated 442 million won in criminal proceeds obtained by 'A'. The case highlights the persistent issue of ticket scalping facilitated by technology, impacting legitimate fans' ability to access live performances.