K-pop audition scam check

If you see these signs, stop and verify through the agency's official channels.

[Type 1] Demands for audition fees, deposits, or pre-training fees

Critical

Official agency auditions never ask applicants for money for any reason. Any request for an audition fee, deposit, profile registration fee, pre-training fee, or advance payment for accommodation is 100% a scam. If you have already transferred money, immediately request a freeze on the recipient account and report it to the National Police Agency’s Cyber Bureau.

[Type 2] Requests for Revealing Photos or Body Measurements via Unofficial Personal Messaging Apps

Critical

This pattern involves moving the conversation to a personal messaging app such as KakaoTalk, Instagram DM, LINE, or WeChat, then asking for photos in a bikini or underwear, full-body silhouette photos, or waist/bust measurements. Standard audition materials are unretouched, front-facing bust shots and full-body shots; there is no legitimate audition format that requires revealing photos. Stop the conversation immediately, take screenshots, and report it.

[Type 3] A self-proclaimed casting manager using a free email account

High

A “casting director” who contacts you using a free email account such as gmail.com, naver.com, or outlook.com cannot be verified. Legitimate agencies only use email addresses on their official company domains and contact channels on their official websites. Always check that the domain in the email address matches the agency’s official domain.

[Type 4] Unregistered “Ghost” Agencies Luring Artists into Exclusive Contracts for 대중문화예술기획업 (popular culture and arts planning businesses)

Critical

To manage actors or singers in Korea, agencies must register as a 대중문화예술기획업 under the 대중문화예술산업발전법 (Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act). Do not agree to an exclusive contract with an agency that cannot provide its registration number or has no registration information on record. Before signing, always check whether the agency is registered and whether it uses the standard exclusive contract.

Where to report (Korea)

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