The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) urged caution on the 1st, stating that there have been reports of consumer damage related to subscription withdrawals at the clothing wholesale 'S-Mart' (S마트) operated by a company called Happing.
From July of last year to July of this year, all 81 inquiries received by the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center regarding S-Mart were legitimate refund requests due to delivery delays. However, S-Mart restricts subscription withdrawals by stating that refunds are not possible before product delivery and by limiting mileage refunds, leading to ongoing consumer complaints.
The shopping mall has refused refunds based on simple changes of heart, claiming to be a 'wholesale brokerage site for overseas-made products,' leaving consumers who purchased items in cash no choice but to wait until the products are delivered.
There have also been reports of damage where individuals who received refunds in mileage purchased other products, only to experience further delivery delays.
A representative from the consumer agency advised, "Be cautious when using the Happing site and prepare documentation (such as recordings, text messages, and certified mail) that can prove the contract's breach to be ready for disputes."