The Consumer Dispute Mediation Committee (hereinafter referred to as the Committee) announced on the 11th that it will initiate collective dispute mediation procedures regarding gift certificates sold on Timon and Wemaep (hereinafter referred to as Timep). Previously, the Committee stated that it would begin mediation procedures for two collective dispute mediation applications related to gift certificates sold through the online shopping mall operated by Timep and Happy Money gift certificates.
According to the Korea Consumer Agency, the total number of consumers who reported damage related to gift certificates from Timep last year was 13,537. This number includes instances of damage related to the limitations on using gift certificates and Happy Money gift certificates that arose from Timep's large-scale sales payment unresolved situation at that time.
The number of consumers who purchased gift certificates through Timep but suffered damage without being able to use them exceeds 50 in each case, and the Committee's assessment is that the main issues of the incident are essentially or legally similar, thus fulfilling the requirements for initiating collective dispute mediation procedures. To this end, the Committee plans to complete mediation decisions within the period stipulated in Article 68, Paragraph 7 of the Basic Consumer Act.
Accordingly, the Committee plans to announce the initiation of the collective dispute mediation procedures through the Consumer Agency's website and daily newspapers by the 7th of next month. Acting Chairperson of the Committee, Yeon Gyu-seok, noted, "A large number of consumers who were unable to use their gift certificates have applied for collective dispute mediation, considering the ongoing rehabilitation procedures of related businesses such as Timon, Wemaep, and Happy Money. We will strive to quickly establish a reasonable mediation plan to provide relief to consumers' damages."