Gov't vows to help consumers manage subscription services, curb dark patterns

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol speaks during a meeting with economy-related ministers at Government Complex Seoul, Friday. Yonhap

Korea on Friday unveiled a set of measures aimed at improving consumer convenience in everyday life, including helping consumers better manage spending on subscription services and cracking down on "dark patterns" designed to make cancellations difficult.

Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced the measures during a meeting with economy-related ministers, aimed at addressing unfair practices and consumer inconveniences in everyday life, particularly in the subscription, leisure and cultural sectors.

Under the plan, the government will establish a system linking financial information to help Koreans view and manage their subscription services in one place.

"According to market research, consumers often do not fully remember the number of services they subscribe to or their costs, leading them to underestimate their spending," the finance ministry said, noting the service is expected to become available around September.

Korea also plans to raise the maximum fine for "dark patterns" that make it difficult for users to cancel subscriptions, such as requiring requests to be submitted through a different channel from the one used for sign-ups, from the current 5 million won ($3,250) to 10 million won.

In other areas, the government plans to revise relevant regulations in the first quarter of 2027 to require concert and sporting event operators to notify ticket buyers when seats have restricted views, which is currently not mandatory.

The government also vowed tougher penalties for air carriers that cancel flights without prior notice, a practice that has become more frequent amid rising fuel costs following the recent Middle East conflict.

"Currently, air carriers are exempt from liability as long as they refund tickets, even when flights are cancelled without prior notice," the finance ministry said, noting such cancellations can cause additional financial losses for consumers who have booked accommodations and tour packages.

The government added that air carriers with high cancellation rates will face penalties, including disadvantages in the allocation of traffic rights.