'BTS → NewJeans' HYBE accuses one party of illegal trade information on artist flight tickets

 Jun 18th, 2024

HYBE said it has been notified that social media accounts operators suspected of illegally obtaining and trading tickets for their artists have been sent to the prosecution.

HYBE said it has formed a separate TF since last year to cope with illegal trading by K-Pop artists. After checking a number of SNS accounts that trade ticket information of artists online, they obtained evidence that can identify the operator and submitted it to the police.

The police conducted a long-term domestic and foreign investigation based on the data, and confirmed the allegations of some suspects and sent them to the Seoul Central Distric Prosecutors' Office.

According to police investigation, the suspects made tens of millions of won by selling information on K-Pop artists' flight tickets. The suspects are suspected of illegally trading information on K-Pop artists' flight tickets through chat or direct messages.

The illegally traded information was used for stalking to obtain the artist's seat information in advance and attempt close contact after boarding and the overall operation of the entertainment company, such as arbitrary changing the artist's seat and in-flight meal, or canceling flight reservations.

HYBE said, "The sale or purchase of illegally acquired flight ticket information is clear illegal act that threatens the artist's personal life and creates anxiety, and it is a very serious problem that can cause safety accidents at airports and aircraft. We will hold responsibility and sternly respond to criminal acts of commercializing and trading artist personal information without any agreement and leniency."

HYBE inspected related procedures and systems to prevent further leakage of personal information, and asked airlines and travel agencies for corporation. It also decided to continue to cooperate closely with various organizations to protect the personal information of artists.

Original article: Sport Donga