On April 29, the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) reported that in the last three years they have received 1,228 complaints relating to photographic services – with cases that rise every year from 312 in 2022 TO 472 in 2023. Only from January to March 2025, 115 cases have already been archived.
From these, 182 cases (14.8%) In particular, “free photographic” promotions.
- 75.3% Of these cases (137) they led to problems with the cancellation of contracts and reimbursement waste.
- 10.4% involved violations of the contract e
- 6.0% relating to unjust practices.
In many cases, consumers were denied reimbursements after canceling reservations or were forced to purchase additional and expensive products such as albums, framed photos or original photographic files.
When examining the amounts of the contract confirmed by 172 cases:
- 43.6% they implied business lower than 100,000 krw (~ $ 75),
- 36.0% contracts involved above 1 million KRW (~ $ 750) e
- 11.1% There were between 500,000 and 1 million KRW (~ $ 375–750).
Incredibly, despite being marketed as “free”, 47.1% of cases Contracts involved for a value of over 500,000 krw, with the Average amount of the contract with about 750,000 krw (~ $ 560).
To combat these practices, the Knockout have announced their intention to solicit companies with high complaint rates a clearly spread additional costs For articles such as original files, albums and frames in advance.
They also recommended consumers of:
- Confirms any potential costs and terms of the contract before making a reservation,
- Request the written confirmation of any extra charge before shooting e
- Keep booking and contracts as proof in case of disputes.
As the complaints relating to the photo shoot continue to increase, both companies and consumers have to work together to encourage a more fair and reliable market environment.
