Spokesperson Cho Seungrae: "Many Newlywed Couples Have Expressed Dissatisfaction"
The National Policy Planning Committee has selected the transparency of so-called "Seudeume" (studio, dress, makeup) costs, which have been criticized for their "blind pricing structure," as a priority task for rapid implementation.
The National Policy Planning Committee has selected the transparency of so-called "Seudeume" (studio, dress, makeup) costs, which have been criticized for the "blind pricing" practice during the wedding preparation process, as a priority task for rapid implementation. Getty Image Bank
On July 14, Cho Seungrae, spokesperson for the National Policy Planning Committee, announced at a regular briefing held at the Changsung-dong annex of the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that "the government has decided to swiftly proceed with the transparency of wedding service pricing."
Spokesperson Cho explained, "Many newlywed couples are struggling because there is a lack of price comparison information for essential wedding items known as Seudeume," and added, "Many people have expressed difficulties because the detailed pricing and refund procedures of wedding halls or wedding preparation agencies are not clearly organized."
Until now, the indication of prices and refund conditions by Seudeume businesses has been left to the discretion of the operators, making it difficult for consumers to accurately determine the costs. As a result, it has been pointed out that it is hard to compare the different prices set by each business and that the refund conditions are also complicated. During his presidential campaign, President Lee Jaemyung stated, "Politics should start by reducing the small inconveniences of daily life," and presented the eradication of such unfair industry practices and the transparency of price estimates as a people-centered pledge.
The National Policy Planning Committee plans to soon complete inter-ministerial consultations, amend the Fair Trade Commission's notice to clarify relevant regulations, and impose an obligation to disclose prices.
The committee has also selected the development of guidelines to enable the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the execution of government projects as a priority task for rapid implementation. Spokesperson Cho explained, "There have been cases where generative AI could not be used in the implementation of government projects such as the BK21 project because there was no basis for its purchase," and added, "We plan to create guidelines that will allow the use of generative AI to enhance the convenience and quality of research."
Measures to expand food purchasing opportunities in areas at risk of population extinction will also be promoted. This includes allowing the mobile sale of packaged meat and other products, which had previously been prohibited.
The National Policy Planning Committee is also reviewing a comprehensive reform plan that includes the abolition of the Project-Based System (PBS) at government-funded research institutes. Spokesperson Cho explained, "Due to the PBS, research and development projects have become short-term and fragmented," and added, "We will increase the proportion of government subsidies and strengthen mid- to long-term research functions to create an environment where researchers can focus on their work."
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