Music concert association uses AI to crack down on ticket scalping

▲ This poster is provided by The Korea Popular Music Performance Industry Association in combat against ticket scalping. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

SEOUL, April 2 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Popular Music Performance Industry Association said Thursday it will use artificial intelligence technologies to monitor ticket scalping activities across domestic and overseas resale platforms.

The move is part of a broader initiative led by the Korea Creative Content Agency aimed at curbing chart manipulation and illegal ticket resales in 2026.

The association said it has strengthened monitoring by deploying its in-house automated anti-scalping system "SMAIT," which incorporates AI and optical character recognition technology.

In the past, scalpers often evaded detection by posting ticket information as images on resale platforms, but the new system can now identify illicit listings by extracting and analyzing text embedded in images.

The association monitors a wide range of platforms in real time, including domestic secondhand marketplaces such as Danggeun Market and Bunjang, as well as global platforms in six countries, including Ticketmaster in the United States, Viagogo in Switzerland, Yahoo Auctions in Japan and Xianyu in China.

It also tracks activity on social media platforms such as X and Instagram.

In addition to online monitoring, the association has been conducting on-site inspections at live events.

It carried out intensive one-day monitoring at BTS’ free comeback concert held at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21.

"We are continuing to monitor illegal ticket transactions for major concerts and festivals currently on sale," the association said.

"We will keep a close watch on events where large-scale scalping is anticipated and take appropriate action."

The association also plans to operate anti-scalping campaign booths at major concerts and festivals and introduce audience participation programs.

"Ticket scalping is a clear criminal act that undermines the value of performing arts and disrupts the market," said Ko Ki-ho, chairman of the association.

"We will go beyond simple monitoring to create an environment where both artists and audiences are protected from the harm caused by illegal ticket transactions."

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