Industry News

Secondary ticketing thriving in South Korea, says StubHub report

Some 61 per cent of South Koreans have used secondary ticketing platforms for live entertainment and sporting events, according to data published by StubHub.

The consumer survey asked 2,000 Koreans about their perception of the secondary market, an industry that has faced sharp criticism in the UK, US and Australia for its connection to touting and inflated prices.

According to the Business Korea website, among those looking for alternatives to purchase sold-out event tickets, 78 per cent said they had searched for tickets through online marketplaces.

More than a third of Koreans found themselves unable to attend an event for which they had already purchased tickets, with 72 per cent claiming they would prefer to choose how to resell their own tickets.

In contrast, only 19 per cent thought it should be the original ticket seller or venue that determines how to resell the tickets.

“Demand for buying and selling tickets online has clearly increased among Korean consumers. With sales of tickets to major live events now being offered many months and sometimes up to a year in advance, this survey shows that consumers want the right to sell their tickets when they are no longer able to attend,” said Kevin Cho, country manager at StubHub Korea.

“Additionally, secondary ticketing allows fans to buy tickets to experience memorable live events that they would otherwise miss in a safe and secure way.”

The survey was published in the same week that English Premier League football club Tottenham Hotspur confirmed it will not renew its partnership with StubHub after criticism from fans.

Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust (THST) said: “We are delighted that THFC has decided not to renew its partnership with StubHub. THST has opposed the deal for four seasons and, with your support, had some success in restricting the original model’s ability to drive up prices.

“This represents a very welcome move away from the incentivised touting we’ve seen on StubHub over the past four seasons and gives the club much more flexibility over the running of the platform, something that will benefit fans.”

Image: Skitterphoto