The Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) has referred 35 suspected cases of ticket scalping identified during this year's Chuseok holiday to law enforcement. Eight railroad members caught in an undercover operation posing as buyers have been forcibly expelled, and a passenger presenting a forged ticket created using generative artificial intelligence (AI) was also detected.
On October 2, KORAIL announced that it had submitted 35 suspected scalping cases to the authorities during the Chuseok holiday period. Of these, 25 cases were reported by citizens through the scalping tip-off section on the KORAIL website and the mobile app 'KORAIL+'.
The remaining 10 cases were confirmed through a 'mystery shopper' method, where KORAIL employees disguised themselves as ticket buyers. The sellers involved in these transactions, totaling eight individuals, had their membership revoked in accordance with KORAIL's member regulations.
The number of cases referred for investigation has increased from the initial tally released before Chuseok. KORAIL had previously reported 19 suspected scalping cases on September 22, which has now risen to 35 following additional tips and enforcement actions.
Fines have also been imposed for actual scalping activities. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, two individuals who repeatedly resold tickets for profit were fined 6 million won each in July.
The current Railway Business Act prohibits individuals other than railway operators from purchasing tickets for resale at prices higher than the original purchase price or facilitating such sales. Violators can face fines of up to 10 million won.
In addition to scalping, cases of ticket forgery using AI have also been uncovered. On September 20, a passenger was caught presenting a forged ticket created with generative AI during a ticket inspection on a train and was handed over to the Railway Special Judicial Police. This passenger is facing charges of forgery of securities and is awaiting prosecution.
Article 214 of the Criminal Code stipulates that those who forge or alter securities for the purpose of use can face up to 10 years in prison. The specific charges and legal determinations regarding this passenger will be finalized through investigative and judicial processes.
Lee Min-seong, head of KORAIL's passenger business division, stated, "Ticket scalping and forgery are clear illegal activities. We will strengthen citizen reporting, undercover operations, and onboard inspections to respond rigorously to these issues."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.