President Lee vows to confiscate illegal ticket scalping profits

President Lee Jae-myung has vowed to track down ticket scalpers and confiscate all illicit profits, stating that the government will ensure those who steal legitimate viewing opportunities pay a heavy price. This announcement follows the recent arrest and referral of a man in his 30s by the Gyeonggi Northern Police Agency for obstructing business through illegal ticket reselling.

The suspect allegedly used macro programs to purchase 8,967 tickets for popular performances and sports events between September 2018 and April 2024, generating approximately 2.4 billion won in sales with an estimated profit of 1.6 billion won. Notable instances included reselling BTS concert tickets, originally priced at 110,000 won, for as much as 3 million won.

Authorities have frozen approximately 1.26 billion won in criminal proceeds, including real estate and bonds. The crackdown is supported by the amended Performance Act, which took effect on August 28. The new law expands the scope of illegal activities—including the use of macro programs, identity theft, and bypassing reservation limits—and allows for fines of up to 50 times the illegal profit.