"Joined for Marriage"...Marriage Brokerage Firm Demands Penalty Fee Without Even Providing Introductions [Heotdari Economy]

(48) Paying Hundreds of Thousands of Won for a Single Meeting When Terminating a Contract Midway

Editor's NoteMany people thought they were engaging in smart economic activities to gain better outcomes, but it often turned out to be a misstep. When deceived by corporate marketing or blinded by momentary gains, wrong decisions ultimately harm consumers. We aim to examine economic activities where people have made mistakes by misjudging everyday situations.

Marriage brokerage agencies that arrange marriage partners based on subscribers' desired conditions (such as occupation, age, income) have strict contract cancellation terms, requiring consumers to be cautious. Even if no meeting has been arranged, the refund amount upon contract cancellation varies depending on whether the profiles of the parties have been exchanged.

From 2021 to June of this year, a total of 1,188 consumer damage relief applications related to domestic marriage brokerage services were received by the Korea Consumer Agency: 321 cases in 2021, 326 in 2022, 350 in 2023, and 191 in the first half of this year. The largest age group among applicants was those in their 30s, accounting for 42.5% (505 cases), followed by those in their 40s at 27.6% (328 cases), 50s at 12.4% (147 cases), and 60s at 7.9% (94 cases). Those in their 20s and 70s accounted for 69 and 37 cases, respectively. Regarding subscription fees, the most common range was between 2 million and less than 4 million KRW at 45.4% (539 cases), followed by under 2 million KRW at 30.1% (358 cases), and between 4 million and less than 6 million KRW at 14.2% (169 cases).

The cost of joining a marriage brokerage agency varies depending on the subscriber's age, occupation, assets, and the desired partner's conditions. Prices range widely from 4.4 million KRW to 7.7 million KRW per year, with a maximum of up to 13.3 million KRW (varying by agency). We directly consulted a marriage brokerage agency. The counselor explained that once subscribed, meetings can be arranged at least once every three weeks. Over six months, about 10 to 15 meetings are typically arranged.

The contract clauses specify different refund criteria before and after receiving the partner's profile. If a subscriber changes their mind before receiving any profile, they can get back 90% of the subscription fee. If the profile has been received and an appointment has been set but then canceled mid-way, 85% of the subscription fee is refunded. If a refund is requested after one connection has been made, only about two-thirds of 80% of the subscription fee is returned.

For example, if someone pays 4 million KRW to join a marriage brokerage agency and requests contract cancellation after one blind date, they will receive only about 2.13 million KRW, roughly half the amount. The counselor explained, "The 80% benchmark of the subscription fee accounts for 20% being treated as consultation fees for partner matching." They also recommended that, given the significant disadvantages in refunds upon contract cancellation, it is more beneficial to apply for a temporary suspension and continue the contract rather than deciding on a refund due to change of mind or circumstances.

Paying the full subscription fee to a marriage brokerage agency does not mean no further costs will be incurred. Agencies often encourage longer-term contracts using terms like 'package' or 'subscription.' Some agencies also require a 'successful marriage case fee' upon successful marriage, so it is essential to check this at the time of subscription. Usually, the ratio between the subscription fee and the successful marriage case fee is 1:1. For example, if the subscription fee is 4 million KRW, the successful marriage case fee is also 4 million KRW. In some cases, the subscription fee is set lower while the successful marriage case fee is higher. A subscriber paying 4 million KRW may end up paying 10 million KRW as the successful marriage case fee.

The Korea Consumer Agency urged consumers to prevent damages related to marriage brokerage services by ▲ verifying business information before signing a contract ▲ carefully checking the transaction conditions in the contract (such as whether it is based on the number of meetings or duration) ▲ comparing refund criteria with the standard terms and conditions to identify any unfair refund clauses.