How does unfamiliarity with Korean systems play in these fan scams?

Question

Accepted Answer

Unfamiliarity with Korean online systems and language pushes foreign fans to use intermediaries, which creates openings for ticket and merchandise scams

Foreign fans who are unfamiliar with South Korea’s online purchasing systems or the language often cannot buy concert tickets or official merchandise directly. Instead, they rely on local intermediaries or unofficial sellers to secure sought-after items on their behalf, which can lead to fraudsters taking money and then disappearing after transfers. This pattern has been seen in cases involving overseas fans paying individuals in South Korea for concert tickets or official merchandise, only to find the sellers vanished once payment was made.
Police data shows the scale of fraud reported by foreign nationals
South Korea’s National Police Agency data shows fraud reports by foreign nationals rose from 5,307 cases in 2023 to 19,907 in 2025. The increase is linked to a surge in international visitors for concerts, fan events, and official merchandise, with the number of foreign visitors reaching a record 18.94 million in 2025, up 71.7% from 11.03 million in 2023. Within this broader rise, some cases have centred on K-pop-related purchases.
Fans who cannot navigate systems turn to local intermediaries
The scams often reflect a practical barrier: international fans may not be familiar with how South Korea’s online purchasing works or may face language difficulties. As a result, they depend on local intermediaries or unofficial sellers to obtain tickets and exclusive fan goods. In the cited cases, overseas fans paid individuals in South Korea to buy concert tickets or official merchandise on their behalf, rather than completing purchases through the original online channels themselves.
Payment transfers followed by disappearances are a recurring scam outcome
Local reporting describes cases where money was transferred to individuals, after which the sellers disappeared. This means the transaction model relies on trust placed in an intermediary who is expected to complete the purchase and deliver the items. The risk is heightened when the buyer cannot verify the process directly because of unfamiliarity with the local systems and language.
Incidents at BTS concerts illustrate how the scams show up at venues
The issue was highlighted during BTS concerts in Busan on June 12 and 13, where police said five of seven crimes reported by foreign nationals at the venue involved scams. Those venue-related reports align with the broader description of overseas fans losing money after paying individuals in South Korea for tickets or official merchandise. The pattern points to intermediaries being central to how these frauds are carried out.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

How does unfamiliarity with Korean systems play in these fan scams?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends