Correction Order and 2.5 Million Won Fine Imposed
Krafton and Com2uS have been sanctioned by the competition authorities for falsely disclosing the drop rates of probability-based in-game items. Krafton is the second-largest game company in Korea and operates "Battlegrounds (PUBG)," while Com2uS operates "Starseed: Asnia Trigger."
According to the Korea Fair Trade Commission on June 16, both Krafton and Com2uS were fined 2.5 million won each and ordered to report measures to prevent recurrence for violating the Electronic Commerce Act.
Krafton was found to have falsely disclosed the drop rates for two types of probability-based items. When selling the probability-based item "Processing," the company falsely stated that the drop rates for 31 components were between 0.1414% and 0.7576%, even though the actual probability was 0%. In the case of the "PUBG X NewJeans Set Blueprint," consumers were led to believe that if they did not obtain a component after four purchases, they would be guaranteed (100%) to receive it on the fifth purchase. In reality, the probability of obtaining the component was only 9%.
Com2uS was also found to have falsely disclosed the drop rate for the probability-based item "Quick Operation Reward." Consumers who purchased this item were told they had a 24% chance of obtaining the effect of "enhancing equipment item stats" for their game character, but the actual probability was 0%.
The Fair Trade Commission determined that these actions constituted prohibited acts under the Electronic Commerce Act, specifically providing false or exaggerated information or misleading consumers through deceptive methods. However, a representative from the Commission explained, "Considering that the violations lasted only 18 to 43 days, the companies voluntarily corrected the issues, and compensation measures such as refunds for probability-based item purchases were provided to consumers, we imposed fines rather than heavier penalties."
A representative from Krafton stated, "At the time of the incident, we promptly provided refunds and compensation to minimize user damage," and added, "We are continuously implementing internal improvements to prevent similar cases from recurring."
A representative from Com2uS said, "Due to a work error last year, the drop rates for some probability-based items were incorrectly applied," and added, "After recognizing this, we took corrective and compensatory measures."
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