▲ This undated file photo shows street installation promoting BTS' comeback at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. (Yonhap)

police-BTS concert

Police probing suspected use of ticket-buying bots for BTS comeback show

By Chae Yun-hwan

SEOUL, March 9 (Yonhap) -- Police have begun investigating suspected use of bots to purchase tickets for K-pop group BTS' upcoming comeback concert, a senior police official said Monday, amid concerns over ticket-resale scams.

Park Jeong-bo, chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, told reporters that ticket platform Nol Universe requested a probe into signs of automated programs buying tickets for the event on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

Police are currently investigating three cases of alleged criminal activity linked to ticket sales, Park said.

"In connection with signs of suspected use of macro (programs), Nol Universe has requested an investigation," he said. "(Offers) asking for money in exchange for tickets are mostly scams."

Police have also identified some 110 online posts about proxy ticket purchases and ticket resales. They have taken measures for the posts to be deleted or blocked.

Meanwhile, police plan to dispatch 4,800 officers for crowd control on the day of the concert, which is estimated to draw as many as 260,000 people.

In preparation for possible emergency situations, such as acts of terror, police commandos will be stationed in the area to carry out security operations.

"Unlike (civic) rallies, it is a matter of public safety, and I think it would be okay to deploy more police officers than necessary," Park said.

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[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]