South Korea implements strict penalties for ticket scalping

South Korea is implementing new regulations to crack down on the illegal resale of performance and sports tickets. Effective from the 28th, amendments to the Performance Act and the National Sports Promotion Act aim to eliminate scalping practices.

Under the new rules, individuals engaging in unauthorized ticket resale for profit or habitual business purposes can face administrative fines of up to 50 times the original sale price. The law prohibits both the unauthorized purchase of tickets—including bypassing official procedures—and the resale of tickets at a premium without the original seller's consent. These rules apply regardless of whether automated macro programs were used.

Ticket sellers and online platforms are now required to implement identity verification, operate reporting functions, and restrict the exposure of fraudulent listings. Reporting agencies, such as the Korea Content Agency for performances and the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation for sports, have the authority to request user information and access logs from platforms. Failure to comply with data requests may result in fines of up to 5 million won.

To encourage enforcement, the government has introduced a reward system. Whistleblowers reporting illegal purchases can receive up to 50 million won, while those reporting illegal resales may receive up to 50% of the fine imposed on the violator. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism plans to expand these regulations to include movie ticket scalping.