Choi Min-hee "Where Did the Missing 4,000 Won for Movie Tickets Go?" SKT "We Will Investigate" [2024 National Audit]

Purchasing with Carrier Discount Benefits... Difference from Actual Receipt Price
SKT Vice President "Cannot Disclose Contract Details with Partners"
Choi Min-hee "Film Industry, Carriers Should Gather to Address This Issue"

On the 25th, during the National Assembly audit, concerns were raised about the settlement structure of movie ticket fees discounted through telecom membership benefits.

At the National Assembly Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee hearing held that day, Committee Member Choi Min-hee questioned Lim Bong-ho, Vice President and Head of Customer Business Division at SK Telecom, who appeared as a witness.

Before the main inquiry, Committee Member Choi explained the movie ticket fee settlement structure as follows.

If the ticket price is 15,000 KRW, 3% (450 KRW) for the Movie Promotion Fund and 10% (1,455 KRW) VAT are deducted. Then, from the remaining 13,095 KRW, half (6,547 KRW) goes to the cinema, and the other half (6,547 KRW) goes to investors, distributors, and producers.

Committee Member Choi stated, "Although the original movie ticket price is 15,000 KRW, the average spending per customer is much lower due to discounts from telecom companies and card companies."

He then displayed a comparison between the payment screen where SK Telecom subscribers received movie discounts through the T Membership application and the receipt issued by the cinema (CGV).

The receipt of a customer who purchased a ticket for 8,500 KRW through a discount showed 7,000 KRW, and the receipt of a customer who paid 11,000 KRW for a movie also showed a payment of 7,000 KRW. The amounts of 1,500 KRW and 4,000 KRW respectively had 'disappeared.' Committee Member Choi continued to question the whereabouts of the missing 1,500 KRW and 4,000 KRW.

However, Vice President Lim explained, "The 7,000 KRW shown on the receipt is information we learned during this audit period."

He added, "Because we purchase in bulk and provide various benefits to customers, the benefits differ for each customer. However, SKT does not profit from this structure."

Committee Member Choi continued to ask about the contract details between SK Telecom and CGV, but Vice President Lim maintained his stance, saying, "It is difficult to disclose the contract details of our partners." He reiterated, "We bear the inventory burden by purchasing tickets and provide various benefits."

Committee Member Choi raised his voice, saying, "I requested the data, but they kept giving the same answers without submitting the data," and "This unreasonable structure is still ongoing."

When he asked, "The receipt should show 11,000 KRW, but it actually shows 7,000 KRW, so only 3,500 KRW goes to investors, distributors, and producers. How can movies be made like this?" and "Will you check where the missing movie fees went?" Vice President Lim responded, "I will check."

Committee Member Choi asked again, "Should CGV, the film industry, and telecom companies gather together to examine the cause of this issue? Will you come to this meeting?" and Vice President Lim replied, "Yes."