Netizens React To The Idol Group That Successfully Used Facial Recognition At A Concert

An online community post that shared past news of an idol group in Japan that successfully held a concert without tickets gained attention.

Japanese idol group Momoiro Clover Z, is a four-member girl group that debuted in 2008. They became a hot topic in 2016 after being the first idol group to successfully hold a concert using facial recognition instead of a ticket.

Fans using facial recognition to enter Momoiro Clover Z’s concert. | NEC

NEC developed the facial recognition system, which used an IC-embedded membership card. Fans just had to put their face up to the device, and a ticket would print at the entrance gate. This created a more efficient system, reducing wait time and preventing ticket scalping.

A white QR code reader recognizes the ticket/membership card while the fan looks at the camera in front of the entrance. Once the card is verified, the ticket is issued immediately. / NEC

Previously, KOTRA felt that Korea, which was known for its problem with ticket scalpers, felt that the introduction to face recognition is expected and would help not only performances but also for safety reasons.

The article also stated that in Korea, no facial recognition technology has been used for large performance halls. By looking at the successful case in Japan, they felt their potential for widespread use.

Netizens criticized the facial recognition system and hoped it would not be used in Korea.

Netizen comments | theqoo Netizen comments | theqoo

• “Wow get away. I’m going to lose it if this comes to. Korea.”
• “Wow so it’s taking my personal information and not giving me a ticket.”
• “I remember HYBE tried to implement this needed up getting so much hate.”
• “Wow selling my private information to see a show…do they think fans are losers.”
• “What happens if someone does plastic surgery.”
• “Our personal info will be given to companies.”
• “I remember HYBE tried to use this and stepped out after seeing the negative feedback.”
• “It won’t stop ticket scalpers 100%”
• “So they are stopping ticket scalpers, but also taking people’s personal info.”
• “How can I send my personal info to these ticket sites? If this happens, I just won’t go to concerts. So difficult. I’m paying with my own money to see a show and I have to give my personal info in order to go?”
• “It doesn’t seem right to give personal information in order to stop ticket scalping. If this is used in Korea, prices for tickets will go up.

Is facial recognition a good way for ticket scalpers to be stopped? What are your thoughts on implementing this method in Korea?

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