HYBE headquarters / Yonhap

Fans of HYBE artists will soon be able to skip traditional ID and ticket checks, gaining entry to concert venues with just a quick face scan. Set to roll out next year, the new technology aims to provide faster entry into venues and a smoother experience for concertgoers. However, it has sparked concerns among fans regarding privacy and data security.

The K-pop label announced on Monday via an official press release that its new Face Pass technology will be used at the first fan event of its rookie boy band, TWS. The event, "42:CLUB," is scheduled for Feb. 14 to Feb. 16 at the Handball Gymnasium in Olympic Park, Songpa District, Seoul.

This image shows ticket platform Interpark Triple's Face Pass system, provided by finance app Toss. Courtesy of HYBE

According to the K-pop giant, the system replaces ID and ticket checks — previously conducted at booths with long queues — with a simple facial recognition process, offering a seamless entry experience while deterring ticket scalpers. The service is also available to international fans with valid IDs.

This innovation combines Viva Republica's finance app Toss' facial recognition service with Interpark Triple's ticketing platform. In August, HYBE signed a memorandum of understanding with Toss and Interpark to develop and promote facial recognition solutions.

For the upcoming fan meeting, the agency announced that attendees can opt in or out of the Face Pass system.

Those already registered with Toss' facial verification service can purchase tickets through Interpark without additional registration. New users can register their facial data via Interpark Ticket's Face Pass feature before an event.

On the day of an event, attendees using Face Pass can quickly enter through gates equipped with cameras for fast admission.

Fans who choose not to use the facial recognition system can enter the venue through a separate verification process, which requires presenting their ID and ticket at designated booths.

Kim Tae-ho, HYBE's chief operating officer, emphasized the convenience of the new system, stating, "With a one-time facial registration, fans can enter venues easily and conveniently, enhancing their overall experience. We aim to expand this service globally to create a comfortable environment where fans worldwide can enjoy performances seamlessly."

K-pop boy band TWS / Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment

Privacy concerns

Entertainment agencies implemented ID verification systems at events a few years ago to combat scalping by ensuring that the person attending the event matches the name on the ticket. However, these measures added extra steps at concert venues, often resulting in logistical challenges and inconveniences.

Although the new facial recognition system seeks to simplify the process, it has raised concerns among fans about privacy and security, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive biometric data.

One user on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, voiced unease, stating, "Facial data is sensitive biometric information. Entrusting it to Interpark, HYBE and Toss raises questions about how it will be processed. Like past leaks of resident registration numbers or phone numbers, facial data could become vulnerable to breaches. The risk of misuse is real."

International concertgoers have also voiced concerns over the new system, citing unease over having to give up personal information to a foreign company.

Li, a Taiwanese fan of another HYBE artist, BOYNEXTDOOR, told The Korea Times that the face surveillance feels "too demanding" for international fans.

"I've never heard of the Toss app — I'm not even familiar with the Korean language ... I understand the good intentions behind the system and it's good that it is optional for now," she said. "But given the company's track record, I worry it could become mandatory for all HYBE artists in the future. If that happens, it would feel like HYBE is treating fans however they want. As a foreign fan, that level of demand feels excessive."

Singer IU performs onstage during her "2024 IU HEREH WORLD TOUR CONCERT IN KUALA LUMPUR" in June, in Malaysia. Courtesy of EDAM Entertainment

Some have drawn attention to a broader issue, criticizing the verification measure itself for being invasive, citing instances of harsh treatment by staff during security checks.

Indeed in April, a fan of K-pop star IU sparked a public debate after being denied entry to a concert due to excessive verification measures, despite legally purchasing the ticket with the help of a friend.

The fan had then claimed to have provided detailed evidence to verify the transaction at the booth, including booking and payment records, messaging history with the friend and proof of fan club membership. Despite these efforts, the fan was not only barred from attending the concert, but also reportedly labeled a scalper and ultimately expelled from the official fan club.

The incident drew backlash over such practices, with fans voicing concerns that these policies might inadvertently harm loyal supporters rather than curb illicit ticket sales.