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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-06-25 09:36:40
SEOUL, June 25 (Yonhap) -- Major K-pop agencies are increasingly giving South Korean fans priority access to concert tickets in a bid to address intense competition for seats at performances by top artists.
JYP Entertainment recently announced that members of Stray Kids' domestic fan club will receive early access to tickets for the group's new world tour, "RUN IT," which kicks off in Seoul on July 25.
Under the system, a portion of seats will be made available first to South Korean fans at 8 p.m. on June 29, followed by global ticket sales at 8 p.m. on June 30.
Because tickets can only be purchased through designated regional sales channels based on fan club verification, overseas residents are not eligible to participate in the domestic presale.
The move has been welcomed by many Korean fans online, with comments such as, "I'm glad domestic presales have been introduced," and, "I hope this system continues."
Other major agencies have adopted similar measures. HYBE labels BigHit Music's Cortis and BELIFT LAB's ENHYPEN have implemented domestic fan club presales, while SM Entertainment recently offered Korean fans priority ticketing opportunities for concerts by NCT DREAM and aespa, following a similar rollout for Red Velvet.
The primary reason behind the introduction of such systems is to protect access for local fans.
As K-pop has become increasingly globalized, large numbers of overseas fans have flocked to concerts in South Korea, leading to problems such as ticket scalping and resale activities originating from abroad.
In particular, after China imposed restrictions on Korean cultural content, commonly referred to as the "Korean Wave ban," opportunities for K-pop artists to hold concerts in China became limited. As a result, the number of Chinese-speaking fans traveling to South Korea for concerts surged, intensifying what fans call "picketing" -- a term used to describe extremely competitive ticket purchases -- and prompting ongoing complaints from domestic audiences.
Industry officials expect domestic fan club presales to help alleviate some of these concerns.
An official at a major entertainment agency said the system has been well received because it increases opportunities for Korean audiences to attend concerts held in the country.
Another industry official said the measure should have been introduced much earlier.
"Since K-pop artists typically visit multiple countries and regions during world tours, there are no major fairness issues," the official said. "It can also serve as an opportunity for artists and their fandoms to build a deeper connection in South Korea, where K-pop originated."
Some observers, however, caution that overseas fans could feel alienated.
Given the influence of global fandoms in the K-pop market, the policy could potentially generate dissatisfaction among international fan communities with significant purchasing power.
An official at another idol agency said the policy is intended to recognize Korean fans while acknowledging the symbolic significance of Seoul concerts as the starting point of global tours.
"At the same time, agencies must carefully consider the sentiments of overseas fans, who are a key customer base," the official said. "Finding the right balance will be important."
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