EDAM Entertainment issued a public apology through IU's official fan webpage for the inconvenience they caused during IU's 2024 World Tour Seoul Concert.
The agency not only apologized to fans affected by their strict verification process but also to IU herself. They stated, "The company sincerely apologized to the fans who were harmed due to our excessive verification procedures related to ticket reservations for the solo concert of the affiliated artist IU's 2024 world tour in Seoul (hereinafter referred to as 'Seoul solo concert'). The company also deeply apologizes to the fans who always send great support to the artist for causing them concern." They added, "Furthermore, the company also apologizes to the artist herself, who must have been disappointed and hurt by this incident."
Additionally, the agency has announced the discontinuation of the undercover investigator system associated with illegal ticket sales and committed to bolstering its internal monitoring team. They clarified that ticket reservations made without monetary transactions, such as those booked by family members or friends on behalf of others, will not be considered illicit trades. Furthermore, they have vowed to streamline the explanation process and minimize undue psychological pressure on fans by providing accurate and clear guidelines regarding the explanation periods.
Korean netizens commented, "IU is also a victim. The company should've done better," "IU is a victim too. She didn't expect her fans to experience something like that," "It was random that they apologized to IU too," "This is the first time the company apologized to the artist like that," "Well, she's the only breadwinner of their company isn't she?" "She's one of the biggest shareholders," and, "I thought it was weird that IU's agency apologize to IU."
sm would never do this