The comprehensive ticket distribution platform NOL Ticket (formerly Interpark Ticket) is proving its service competitiveness by exclusively handling ticket distribution for global superstars like Coldplay, Travis Scott, and Oasis, who will visit Korea this year. Ticket distribution platforms must have robust server capabilities to operate steadily even when many people converge simultaneously, as well as technologies to prevent fraudulent reservations. NOL Ticket, which was the first in South Korea to introduce an online reservation system, plans to strengthen its global network and advance relevant technologies.
According to the industry on the 28th, NOL Ticket exclusively managed ticket distribution for the famous British band Coldplay's concert held at Goyang Sports Complex from the 16th to the 25th of this month, covering a total of six performances. It will also exclusively distribute tickets for the world tour concert of the famous Korean girl group BLACKPINK (July), the first concert by the famous American hip-hop musician Travis Scott in Korea (October), and the concert by the famous British band OA (October).
The fact that NOL Ticket has consecutively taken on ticket distribution for major performances is evaluated as a result of the trust and stability built over its long operational history. NOL Ticket began online ticket distribution in 1997 with the internet comprehensive reservation system 'Ticket Park.'
After changing its name to Interpark in 1999, NOL Ticket was selected as the official ticket sales agent for the 2000 FIFA World Cup tickets and the 2003 Daegu Universiade. In 2012, it was also selected as the ticket sales agent and system operator for the Yeosu World Expo and the 2013 Suncheon Bay International Garden Expo. While the company continued to use the name Interpark Ticket, it changed its name to NOL Ticket recently, following the launch of 'NOL Universe,' a merger between the Yanolja platform business sector and Interpark Triple in December of last year.
A spokesperson for NOL Ticket noted, "Over the past 20 years, we have built a close collaboration network with performance production companies, production teams, and artists, earning trust as a comprehensive performance partner that encompasses everything from planning to operation. Through these strengths, we have established a long-term partnership system with global top artists and management."
Recently, as the domestic performance and leisure content market has become mainstream and related consumption has increased, the number of users of ticketing platforms has also risen. NOL Ticket's performance and ticket transaction volume last year increased by 11% compared to the previous year. The growth rates of transaction volumes by type were recorded as follows: theater (28%), concert (18%), and sports (15%). The performance and ticket transaction volume in 2024 increased by more than 170% compared to 2019, before the pandemic.
Typically, a ticket platform acts as an agent for booking performance tickets for consumers and charges a commission on each transaction. It also generates revenue through direct investments in performances and venue rentals. The results from the entertainment sector of NOL Universe (including NOL Ticket) last year also showed revenues of 181.5 billion won and an operating profit of 24.8 billion won, marking increases of 29.8% and 28.5%, respectively, compared to the previous year.
NOL Ticket is continuously advancing related technologies to prevent fraudulent reservations that undermine service quality. It monitors for fraudulent reservations in real-time when tickets are opened and has implemented a policy prohibiting access from multiple devices with a single ID. Additionally, it requires annual identity verification renewal and has introduced a passport verification system for global customers to completely block fraudulent reservations.
Recently, to create a stable booking environment, it has gradually introduced a facial recognition-based identity verification system called 'Face Pass.' Developed in collaboration with the major entertainment company HYBE and fintech Toss, Face Pass enables quick entry by verifying identity in one second solely through facial recognition, without separate tickets or identification. Furthermore, registered faces on a single account cannot be reused, and already registered faces cannot be changed, eliminating the possibility of ticket resale.
A spokesperson for NOL Ticket stated, "With advancements in technology like Face Pass to block fraudulent reservations such as scalping, we are also enhancing security in the reservation process," adding, "In the future, we will continue to provide technology and services focused on customer experience to contribute to the growth of the entire performance and leisure market."