Big Data Analysis by Korea Consumer Agency and Consumer Organizations Council
Air Conditioner Consultations Surge 122% Compared to June
Air Conditioners Top the List for Most Frequent Complaints
As the record-breaking heatwave continues, the number of consumer complaints related to air conditioners saw a significant increase last month.
The Korea Consumer Agency and the Korea Consumer Organizations Council announced on the 28th that, according to their big data analysis of cases received through the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center, consultations regarding baby food and lifestyle products, air conditioners, and apartments showed a notable rise in July compared to the previous month.
The total number of consumer consultations last month reached 62,001, which is a 19.4% increase (10,091 cases) from 51,910 cases in the previous month. In the first half of this year, the figure also rose from 44,777 in January to 51,910 in June.
Compared to June, the category with the largest increase in consultations last month was air conditioners, with 1,192 cases (up 122%). In terms of growth rate, 'baby food and lifestyle products' saw the highest jump at 933.3% (252 cases).
For baby food and lifestyle products, many requests were related to refunds and safety inspections due to internal component damage in baby bottle sterilizers. Most air conditioner-related consultations were about poor cooling performance, malfunctions after cleaning, dissatisfaction with repair costs, and service delays, all of which were quality and after-sales service issues.
The items with the highest number of consultations were air conditioners (2,169 cases), air passenger transportation services (1,457 cases), and fitness centers (1,331 cases). Additionally, cases related to mobile phone services, such as flight ticket cancellations during the summer vacation season, closures of large fitness centers, and the SK Telecom hacking incident, have continued to rise since June.
Compared to July last year, categories with increased consultations included baby food and lifestyle products (up 1,892.9%, 265 cases), credit cards (up 113.8%, 347 cases), and air conditioners (up 106.8%, 1,120 cases). Many credit card consultations were related to smishing scams, where cards that were not requested for issuance were being delivered.
On the other hand, categories with a decrease in consultations compared to the same month last year were new-type gift certificates (down 74.8%, 220 cases), overseas travel (down 73.5%, 761 cases), and various accommodation facilities (down 38.0%, 957 cases). This is attributed to the sharp increase in consultations regarding gift certificates, overseas travel, and accommodations in July last year due to the Tmon and Wemakeprice (Tmaprice) incidents, which has since subsided this year.
The Korea Consumer Agency explained, "If consumers experience any damages, they can apply for consultation through the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center or Consumer24, providing transaction records and supporting documents."
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