Edam Entertainment officially apologized for the recent ticketing incident during IU's concert, '2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN SEOUL'.

Recently, a fan was wrongfully accused of illegal ticket trading and barred from entering the concert. Edam Entertainment reached out to the fan and apologized. However, the fan later revealed they discovered the seat was occupied by someone else. The agency denied that the ticket was given to a staff member.

The agency released an official apology on April 9 KST and stated they will be updating the ticketing system for future concerts.

Edam Entertainment explained, "We sincerely apologize to the fans who have suffered due to our excessive verification procedures. We deeply apologize to the fans who always show great support for the artist and to the artist herself for the disappointment and distress caused." The agency added, "Starting on April 9, 2024, we will present the revised measures based on the suggestions from many fans."

Below is the full statement from Edam Entertainment:

"This is EDAM Entertainment.

Firstly, regarding the ticket reservations for IU's 2024 World Tour Seoul solo concert (hereinafter referred to as 'Seoul solo concert'), we sincerely apologize to the fans who have suffered due to our excessive verification procedures. We deeply apologize to the fans who always show great support for the artist and to the artist herself for the disappointment and distress caused.

Starting on April 9, 2024, we will present the revised measures based on the suggestions from many fans. Please find the detailed information below:

1) Abolishment of the Reward System for Unauthorized Ticket Trading (Secret Shopper System)

We will completely abolish the 'reward system' for the 'unauthorized ticket trading policy (secret shopper system)'. Furthermore, we will strengthen our internal monitoring team regarding unauthorized transactions and premium ticket reservations. In cases where verification is required, we will implement the following improvements instead of the previous excessive verification process:

- Cases, where no monetary transactions are involved in ticket reservations (e.g., proxy reservations among family or friends), will not be considered unauthorized transactions.

- Prior to the opening of ticket reservations for domestic performances, we will announce the verification process in the 'Unauthorized Ticket Trading Policy Guide' through all official channels and ticketing sites.

- We will simplify the verification process according to the revised notification and ensure that fans do not feel mentally burdened by inaccurate verification period demands.

2) Personal Identification Process for Ticket Collection

Recognizing the need for improvement in the personal identification process for child and adolescent audiences, we will refer to various examples from other companies and make necessary improvements.

- For individuals for whom identification via ID is difficult, we will allow ticket collection after confirming immediate family relationships with family relationship certificates or resident registration copies.

- For new passports, we will maintain the current identification process without the need for a passport certificate.

3) Improvement of the Permanent Expulsion System from Official Fan Clubs

Although we have implemented this system as a means to strongly prevent premium trading and unauthorized ticket transactions, we deeply empathize with the responsibilities due to recent incidents. Therefore, we aim to improve the 'IU Official Fan Club Permanent Expulsion System'. As of now, the expulsion system within the official fan club will be operated as a 'penalty application (e.g., restrictions on joining based on the fan club's generation)' instead of 'permanent expulsion'.

- With the improvement in the premium trading and unauthorized ticket trading system, the expulsion criteria have changed. Therefore, we are lifting the permanent expulsions for all previous IU Official Fan Club members as of today.

However, individuals who have threatened the artist's safety or infringed on her privacy as indicated in the 'Fan Etiquette Guide' announced on official channels will not be included in the list of those whose expulsions are lifted. Especially those who have caused inappropriate issues within the fandom in the past or may do so in the future will remain permanently expelled.

- Due to this system, we will thoroughly review and discuss the application criteria internally to prevent any unjust treatment towards fans.

All our staff are more aware than ever of the need for system reform and the issues at hand. We will do our utmost to prevent recurrence and continuously strive to improve based on the opinions of our fans.

We sincerely apologize once again for the inconvenience caused by our operational policies and for the deep emotional distress inflicted upon the fans and the artist. We will continue to monitor and strive to show a better version of ourselves. We will discuss additional improvements in the future. Subsequently, EDAM, Melon Ticket, and the performance team will do their best to compensate those who have suffered during the ticket reservation process in the direction desired by the affected fans.

This incident will serve as an opportunity for us to become an agency that prioritizes the perspectives of both fans and artists even more. We apologize."