Merchants Association: "Fabricated and False Allegations... Video Evidence Secured"
Post Accusing Merchants of "Selling Their Conscience" Deleted
Legal Experts: "If False, Severe Penalties Including Imprisonment Possible"
Controversy arose after claims spread online that iron plate squid sold at Maeil Olle Market in Seogwipo, Jeju, was an "overpriced product." However, the Merchants Association strongly refuted these claims, stating that they were "not true." Legal experts have analyzed that if the post is found to be false, the author could face up to seven years in prison under criminal law.
A netizen posted a photo online saying "I was overcharged" (above). A photo of the standard portion of iron plate squid priced at 15,000 won provided by the Merchants Association of Maeil Olle Market in Seogwipo City, Jeju (below). Bobae Dream · Merchants Association
Post Claiming "Selling Without Conscience" Spreads... Merchants Association: "Fabricated False Claims"
The controversy began on October 20, when a netizen posted a complaint with a photo on the online community Bobae Dream, stating, "I bought a medium-sized iron plate squid for 15,000 won, but the box was less than half full." The author criticized, "They are selling without conscience in a place crowded with tourists," and the photo showed a small amount of squid with the sauce scattered.
The post spread rapidly, reigniting the "Jeju overcharging controversy," but was deleted later that evening. As the controversy grew, the Maeil Olle Market Merchants Association issued an official statement on October 23, refuting the claim by stating, "There is absolutely no possibility that any part of the squid disappears during the cooking process."
The Merchants Association explained, "Customers select the squid themselves, which is then partially grilled, portioned in front of them, cooked, and packed," adding, "CCTV cameras are in operation at all cooking stations in each store, and all footage is kept." They also released photos of actual products sold, emphasizing, "They are completely different from the controversial photo."
The business owner at the center of the controversy also stated, "It is impossible for the portion to be as small as shown in the photo," and lamented, "Due to the false post, sales have dropped by 60 to 70 percent." The Merchants Association announced, "If a merchant suffers damages due to false information, we will respond legally," and revealed that they are considering filing a criminal complaint against the original poster.
If Proven False, Criminal Penalties Could Reach 'Up to 7 Years in Prison'
On October 24, legal news outlet Lawtalk News reported that if the post is determined to be false, the author could face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won for defamation under the Information and Communications Network Act.
Legal experts pointed out that if the expressions in the post, such as "selling without conscience" and "seems like (the food) was siphoned off," are proven untrue, they could be interpreted as clear intent to defame the merchant. If CCTV footage and other evidence confirm that the normal amount of food was provided, this would constitute "defamation by spreading false information."
Furthermore, if the post caused direct damage to business operations, the author could also be charged with "obstruction of business." This offense carries a penalty of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 15 million won. The court has previously highlighted the seriousness of such cases by citing a precedent (Seoul Central District Court 2015Gojung1393), where a defendant who wrote a false review was fined 3 million won.
Experts explained that business owners who suffer damages from false reviews can also file a claim for damages under Article 750 of the Civil Act (Liability for Torts), in addition to criminal complaints. If business losses such as decreased sales are proven, not just mental distress but also property damage could be subject to compensation.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
