Ticket scams surge ahead of G-Dragon's Hong Kong concerts; scalped tickets fetch over 20 million won

연합뉴스 / 2025-08-07 10:58:00

▲ This poster of 2025 "Ubermensch" world tour by K-pop star G-Dragon is provided by Galaxy Corporation. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 7 (Yonhap) -- As K-pop star G-Dragon prepares to perform in Hong Kong for the first time in eight years, local media have reported a surge in ticket-related scams and extreme ticket scalping, with some resold tickets fetching prices over 20 million won (approx. US$15,000).

According to reports by Hong Kong-based Ming Pao and Sing Tao Daily on Thursday, more than 30 cases of ticket fraud related to G-Dragon’s upcoming concerts have been reported to Hong Kong police. The total reported losses amount to 610,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately 107 million won).

Victims said they came across posts on social media platforms like Facebook claiming to sell concert tickets. After initiating a transaction, they were told by the sellers that additional deposits were needed, prompting them to transfer more money. One woman reportedly lost as much as 180,000 Hong Kong dollars (around 31.8 million won).

Tickets for the concerts — to be held from Aug. 8 to 10 at the AsiaWorld-Arena — sold out immediately after release. Scalpers are now reselling tickets at two to five times their original price.

Ming Pao also reported that a VVIP ticket for the final show is being offered at a staggering 120,000 Hong Kong dollars (approx. 21 million won), with some online commenters calling the price “insane.”

Previously, a similar case occurred in Taiwan, where a scalper was caught purchasing G-Dragon tickets in bulk and reselling them at a premium, allegedly profiting around 20 million New Taiwan dollars (approx. 900 million won).

Tickets originally priced at 8,980 New Taiwan dollars (around 420,000 won) were resold for as high as 55,000 New Taiwan dollars (approx. 2.58 million won). The scalper also reportedly created fake IDs for buyers to use.

Although a real-name ticketing policy is in effect, rumors circulated online that some buyers using scalped tickets were still able to enter the venue. As scrutiny intensified during admission checks, complaints flooded in demanding refunds, prompting Taiwanese authorities to launch an investigation.

G-Dragon is currently on his “Ubermensch” world tour, which kicked off in May at Tokyo Dome in Japan.