"Collect my biometric data?" K-netizens react to HYBE adapting a facial recognition system for concerts

Starting with the group TWS's tour in February 2025, HYBE will introduce a "facial recognition" system to enter their artists' performances.

HYBE announced on December 23 that beginning in 2025, they will implement a "Face Pass" system, allowing concertgoers to enter venues effortlessly through facial recognition, eliminating the need for traditional ID or ticket checks.

The "Face Pass" system will begin at TWS's first fan meeting, held from February 14-16 at the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul.

However, attendees who do not wish to register their faces can still undergo the usual identification process at designated verification booths by presenting their ID and tickets.

HYBE COO Kim Tae Ho stated, “We plan to expand the application of this service to create an enjoyable and convenient environment for fans worldwide to attend performances.”

Korean netizens reacted and commented:

"Can’t this be reported or investigated by the Human Rights Commission or something under personal rights? Under what right exactly??"

"Are they insane? A face is more sensitive personal information than a resident registration number. Are they planning to sell this data?"

"Instead of excessive security or body searches, maybe focus on something else."

"Do I want to give them my biometric data?"

"Nope, I just won’t go then."

"Wow, this really gives me serious discomfort."

"How can they expect people to trust a private company with their facial information?

Are they out of their minds?"

"How is an entertainment company comparable to an airport? They’re not running immigration control. Instead of spending money to catch ticket scalpers, they’re going after their own fans. Ridiculous."

"This whole thing makes it feel like fans are being completely disrespected. Not going, end of story."

"In a country plagued by deepfake sexual crimes, why should we hand over our facial information? What guarantees it won’t be leaked and used for deepfake crimes? What guarantees employees won’t make private judgments about customers based on their faces?"

"I absolutely hate this. These people are insane. I really hope no other companies adopt this."

"Even the U.S. doesn’t do this."

"Who benefits from all that accumulated data? What are they planning to use it for? This is insane. It feels like they’re experimenting on fangirls. Honestly, it's disheartening."

"How do they plan to catch people using bots to buy tickets and resell them for inflated prices?"

"We’ve seen all kinds of personal information get leaked before—what makes this any different?"