The Korea Fair Trade Commission said on the 5th it will impose fines of 5 million won and an corrective order on game company Webzen for alleged violations of the Electronic Commerce Act.
According to a Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) investigation, Webzen internally decided on July 30, 2024, to end service for the game "I want to be a power in the shadows!" after its sales fell. However, from Aug. 1–22 of the same year, it released 16 new characters.
Because users would be unable to use newly released characters if Webzen ended the game service, some users asked Webzen about a possible shutdown. Webzen said, "There is nothing separately under review." However, it ended the service two months later, on Oct. 27.
In response, the Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) applied a violation of Article 21(1)1 of the Electronic Commerce Act, which prohibits inducing consumers by informing them of false facts.
The Korea Fair Trade Commission (FTC) said it will monitor "acts by game companies that induce consumers through deceptive methods regarding key information such as service termination" and "plans to take strict action against violations of the Electronic Commerce Act."