On April 23, 2025, Argos Identity, an AI-based identity platform company, announced its partnership with Kakao Entertainment to provide an ID check service on the ticket sales platform Melon Ticket. This initiative aims to bolster security and prevent fraudulent ticket sales, which have become increasingly prevalent in the digital age.
The new ID check service is designed to streamline the ticket purchasing process by enforcing a one-account-per-person policy, thereby enhancing security measures. With the rise of illegal ticket sales and scalping, this system comes as a relief to both consumers and event organizers. "We are pleased that we can enhance both reliability and user convenience in the reservation process," said Lee Won-gyu, CEO of Argos.
Argos Identity offers a suite of services that utilize AI and data to provide rapid and accurate identity verification through features like ID card verification, facial recognition, and optical character recognition (OCR). The ID check service, specifically developed for non-face-to-face environments, boasts high accuracy in detecting forgery of IDs and faces, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of ticket sales.
In addition to these verification capabilities, the ID check service includes a proxy and VPN detection option designed to thwart malicious bots and macro usage. This enhancement is particularly significant given the ongoing battle against automated systems that exploit ticket sales for profit.
As part of this collaboration with Kakao Entertainment, Argos aims to not only improve ticket sales security but also address broader issues related to illegal ticket transactions. "Argos' service can solve legal issues and reduce official seller revenue caused by dark web transactions, ensuring fairness in the ticketing process," the company stated.
However, the announcement came amidst a wave of confusion among fans who received notices regarding fraudulent ticket sales for the NCT DREAM fan meeting. On the same day, reports surfaced on X (formerly Twitter) and various online communities about Melon Ticket sending out messages indicating that tickets purchased through abnormal methods would be canceled without individual notice.
The notice stated, "As a result of monitoring the reservation details, it has been found that tickets were reserved through abnormal methods that are not normal. The relevant reservations are scheduled to be canceled without individual notice, so please take note." This blanket cancellation notice left many fans bewildered and frustrated, as they had invested significant time and effort to secure their tickets.
Fans expressed their dismay, stating comments like, "I grabbed it directly with my own hands after suffering for several hours, what is fraudulent booking?" and "I managed to grab it after doing 취켓팅 (cancellation ticket booking), but it's unfair." The general sentiment among fans was one of injustice, as many felt they had been unfairly categorized as fraudulent purchasers.
Moreover, the notice was a general communication sent to all reservation holders, which further fueled the frustration. Fans criticized the lack of clarity, arguing that such important announcements should specify that they are general notices to avoid unnecessary panic. Comments like, "It would have been easy to label it as a general notice," reflected the disappointment many felt.
In light of these developments, the collaboration between Argos and Kakao Entertainment is expected to provide a more secure and reliable ticket purchasing experience. By employing advanced AI technologies, the ID check service aims to mitigate the risk of identity theft and ensure that legitimate users can enjoy events without the fear of fraudulent activities.
Furthermore, Argos has introduced features that cater to foreign users who may not have connecting information (CI). The platform can generate a duplicate identifier (DI) based on verified personal information, allowing short-term visitors to recover their accounts easily if they lose access after signing up on the ticket sales platform.
This innovation is particularly beneficial for tourists and foreign visitors who may not have a permanent address or local identification. Lee Won-gyu emphasized the importance of this feature, stating, "Starting with this cooperation, we will support foreign identity verification in various industries and expand the use of domestic IT, finance, and communication services."
As the ticketing landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI-driven identity verification systems like Argos’ ID check could set a new standard for security and user experience in online ticket sales. The ongoing partnership between Argos and Kakao Entertainment may pave the way for similar innovations in other sectors, ultimately enhancing consumer trust and satisfaction.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Argos Identity and Kakao Entertainment represents a significant step toward combating fraudulent ticket sales and improving the overall security of online ticket purchasing. As technology advances, it will be crucial for companies to adapt and implement robust systems that protect both consumers and legitimate businesses alike.
