Providing Solutions for Reunion, Unrequited Love, and Conflicts
Criticism for Counseling Ethics Violations... Sometimes Leading to Crime
Companies that charge money to provide dating consulting services by targeting the psychology of young people trying to solve their romantic troubles are springing up everywhere. These companies claim to offer services such as success in unrequited love and reunion with ex-partners, charging fees ranging from as little as 5,000 to 10,000 won to several million won. However, concerns are rising over user damages due to a lack of professionalism and even encouragement of some illegal activities.
On the 3rd, posts about providing dating consultation services appeared on a brokerage platform.[Image source=Homepage capture]
On the 6th, searching for 'dating consulting companies' on major portal sites yielded dozens of companies. There were not only companies that simply offer consulting but also intermediary platforms where individuals can register as counselors. On that day, one intermediary platform had 247 dating counseling services registered. Consulting fees vary widely. Individual counseling can cost as little as about 5,000 won per session, but companies offering long-term consulting for one to three months or more set prices ranging from 1 million to 6 million won.
For college students or young adults in their 20s and 30s who are just starting their careers, this is a considerable burden, but young people eager to seize even a slight chance are easily swayed by the allure of consulting companies. One company even advertised that over 30,000 people have taken their dating consulting lectures so far. Some companies offer initial free consultation services, but after raising expectations, they inevitably encourage users to pay for services. When requesting a free consultation for a 'reunion service' that supposedly helps naturally reunite with an ex-partner at several companies, counselors reassured clients with phrases like "the other party was too harsh" or "in this case, the possibility of reunion is high," then recommended paying over 1 million won per month for detailed consulting.
Even if one spends a large sum on consulting, there is no guarantee of success. Kang (26), a job seeker, said, "I received about six sessions of consulting costing 50,000 won per 10 minutes from a company that claimed to help reunite with an ex, but the reunion never happened." He added, "It was a consolation to myself that I did my best, but I was left disappointed with the effectiveness and professionalism of the counseling." Despite the failure to reunite, there were no measures such as feedback or partial refunds.
The free reunion consultation service that the reporter experienced on the 1st was also part of sales efforts for services costing several million won. During the consultation, phrases like "In this case, the possibility of reunion is high" and "It must be hard for you. The other party was too harsh in some parts" raised expectations and offered comforting words. Afterwards, the counselor diagnosed, "If you can just rebuild trust, reunion is possible," but did not provide specific plans. When asked about concrete measures, the counselor immediately recommended expensive dating consulting services. The consulting service cost 1.2 million won for one month, and up to 6.5 million won for unlimited duration.
Some companies employ or encourage illegal acts during the consulting process. The Dongdaemun Police Station in Seoul sent three employees of a dating consulting company to the prosecution on charges of trespassing on the 20th of last month after they followed an ex-boyfriend to track his movements for a client's reunion. The client reached a settlement with the victim and avoided punishment. Another company suggested showing sincerity by being reported to the police for stalking as a method of reunion after a breakup. This means that using wrong consulting can easily turn someone into a criminal.
Despite these problems, the number of people seeking dating consulting companies continues. Experts cite fear of 'communication' and a social trend of being accustomed to receiving 'help' from others as causes. Professor Kwak Geum-ju of the Department of Psychology at Seoul National University said, "Many people seek advice on relationships because they become adults without learning social skills such as negotiation and persuasion within the family," adding, "Another reason is that it has become common to receive help from parents and academies when facing difficulties."
Since it is especially difficult to expect professional counseling, users need to be cautious not to be swayed by commercial tactics. Jeongwon Bae, adjunct professor at Sejong University and director of the Happy Sexual Culture Center, pointed out, "It is questionable whether ordinary people who are not majoring in interpersonal counseling can effectively teach 'dating skills'." Professor Kwak said, "Dating consulting companies can conduct counseling freely without bearing responsibility," and warned, "Do not be deceived by excessive commercial tactics."
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