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Big Ticket Scam? Not on police's watch with probe into BTS comeback show.

Published: 09 Mar. 2026, 17:56 Updated: 09 Mar. 2026, 18:22

A poster for BTS's upcoming ″Arirang″ performance livestream [NETFLIX]

Police have launched an investigation into suspected ticket scams while tightening security measures for BTS’s comeback performance in Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul scheduled for March 21, police said Monday.

The case was referred for investigation by ticket sales organizer NOL Universe, which suspected the use of automated input programs known as macros.

Three suspected criminal cases related to BTS tickets are currently under investigation, according to Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jeong-bo on Monday.

The police are focusing on scams where suspects claim they can purchase tickets on behalf of fans using macros, but instead steal the fans' personal information. They are also investigating suspects who collect money by offering to sell tickets they do not actually possess, police said.

Police also confirmed reports from victims who transferred between 150,000 won ($100) and 300,000 won but did not receive the promised tickets. A separate suspected scam is also under investigation in which suspects allegedly took money after claiming to transfer tickets for other performances.

Tickets to attend the concert were free but required advance online registration through an official ticketing system, which sold out shortly after they became available in January.

Stills from BTS's ″Arirang″ trailer [NETFLIX]

During online monitoring, police discovered about 110 suspicious posts involving proxy ticket purchases, high-priced resales and fake ticket sales. The police requested that the posts be removed or blocked. A dedicated team at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, along with investigative teams at local police stations are continuing to monitor related posts and transactions.

Security measures for the performance day will also be significantly strengthened. With as many as 260,000 people expected to gather, police plan to deploy about 4,800 personnel, including riot police units and officers from local stations.

Security will also be enhanced by deploying special police units in advance and conducting searches and inspections to prepare for potential emergencies such as knife attacks, vehicle-ramming incidents or terrorism, police said.

People walk by large BTS letters displayed on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul on Jan. 15. [AP/YONHAP]

“We will deploy sufficient personnel so that spectators can enjoy the performance safely, ” Park said.

Regarding concerns raised about people camping out ahead of the performance, police are monitoring the situation and will restrict tents or any installations to wait in line.

The upcoming performance is part of the boy band's upcoming fifth full-length album “Arirang," set to be released the day before, and can be streamed live globally on Netflix.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]