HYBE Launches Face Pass Facial Recognition System for K-pop Concert Entry

HYBE, a major K-pop entertainment company, has introduced a facial recognition entry system called “Face Pass” for concerts and fan events. The system, developed in partnership with Toss and InterPark Triple, will debut at the “42:CLUB” fan event for boy band TWS, scheduled for February 14-16, 2025, at the Handball Gymnasium in Seoul. The initiative follows earlier efforts by Korean entertainment companies to combat ticket scalping through biometric verification.

The Face Pass technology combines facial recognition capabilities with Toss’s digital wallet application and InterPark Triple’s ticketing platform. Users who opt into the system must scan and upload their biometric data to Toss’s server prior to events, where it will be encrypted and stored. The implementation resembles similar systems deployed in Japan, where Panasonic’s Face Pass technology has been tested in retail environments.

HYBE has emphasized that Face Pass remains optional, with traditional ID and ticket entry methods continuing to be available. According to the system’s terms and conditions, facial data will be retained for one year after agreement termination, extending to 10 years if malicious activity is detected. The retention policy matches emerging global standards for biometric data management, though some jurisdictions, like Scotland, are calling for more comprehensive retention policies.

“With a one-time facial registration, fans can enter venues easily and conveniently, enhancing their overall experience,” said Kim Tae-ho, HYBE’s Chief Operating Officer. “We aim to expand this service globally to create a comfortable environment where fans worldwide can enjoy performances seamlessly.”

The implementation has generated discussion among fans regarding data privacy and security. A Taiwanese fan of BOYNEXTDOOR, another HYBE artist, expressed concerns about potential mandatory implementation, stating, “If that happens, it would feel like HYBE is treating fans however they want. As a foreign fan, that level of demand feels excessive.” The concerns echo broader debates about facial recognition at entertainment venues, including controversial deployments at major concerts in recent years.

HYBE plans to expand the Face Pass service globally as part of its strategy to streamline event entry processes for international audiences. The expansion comes as the entertainment industry increasingly adopts biometric solutions for crowd management and security, though implementation varies significantly by region and venue.

Sources: KpopStarz AllKpop Korea JoongAng Daily The Korea Times

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December 30, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team