IU's agency apologizes to the singer for this reason
EDAM Entertainment, the agency managing popular South Korean singer IU, has issued a public apology following a dispute over ticket sales for IU's 2024 World Tour Seoul Solo Concert. The controversy ignited when a fan was denied entry to the concert and subsequently banned from IU's fan club for allegedly participating in "illicit ticket trading." This incident sparked widespread outrage on social media as other fans began sharing similar experiences.
EDAM Entertainment announced changes in the ticketing policy
In response to the uproar, EDAM Entertainment released an official statement on Tuesday. The agency expressed regret for the distress caused by their "excessive verification procedures" and extended an apology to IU for the disappointment caused by the incident. To facilitate smoother verification, they pledged to accept alternative forms of identification, such as family relationship certificates or copies of the family register, for attendees facing challenges with conventional identification methods.
Details of the revised strategy
They also announced a revised strategy aimed at preventing such occurrences in the future. The strategy—detailed in the statement—includes key changes such as discontinuing the reward policy on "illicit ticket trading," enhancing the identity verification process during ticket collection, and modifying the permanent expulsion policy in the official fan club. The agency also committed to providing compensation to fans who experienced difficulties during the ticket booking process.
'Permanent ban' to 'penalty application': Agency's commitment
Meanwhile, acknowledging their responsibility, the agency has decided to reevaluate the permanent ban system within the official fan club. Moving forward, they will also transition from a "permanent ban" to a "penalty application," which may include restrictions on fan club membership by generation. Additionally, they have lifted all permanent bans previously imposed on individuals within the official IU fan club, except for cases involving threats to the artist's personal safety or invasion of privacy.
Meanwhile, know more about IU
IU, a multi-talented artist renowned for her skills as a singer-songwriter, composer, and actor, embarked on her journey when she signed with LOEN Entertainment (now Kakao Entertainment) in 2007. Making her debut at the tender age of 15 with the EP Lost and Found in 2008, she quickly rose to prominence. With subsequent releases like Real+ and Last Fantasy, IU solidified her position as one of South Korea's most celebrated artists.