EXO Kaohsiung Fan Signing Event Sparks Controversy Over Chinese Organizers; City Government Says No Application Received

K-pop group EXO is scheduled to hold a concert in Kaohsiung in July, but a fan signing event preceding the concert has sparked controversy over suspected organization by Chinese platforms. Fans have expressed concerns that ticket purchases require a Chinese phone number and a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Taibaozheng), raising fears about personal data being sent to Chinese screening systems and the potential undermining of Taiwan's market sovereignty. The Kaohsiung City Government stated that it has not received any application for the fan signing event reported for July 16. It confirmed that the concert on July 17 and 18 at the Kaohsiung Arena is organized by LIVE NATION, and that the two events have different organizers and natures.