South Korea unveiled measures on Friday to help consumers manage subscription services and crack down on dark patterns that make cancellations difficult.
Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol announced the measures during a meeting with economy-related ministers at Government Complex Seoul. The government will establish a system linking financial information to help consumers view and manage their subscription services in one place. The service is expected to become available around September.
South Korea also plans to raise the maximum fine for dark patterns that make cancellations difficult, such as requiring requests through a different channel from sign-ups, from 5 million won to 10 million won. In addition, the government will revise regulations in the first quarter of 2027 to require concert and sporting event operators to notify ticket buyers when seats have restricted views.
The government vowed tougher penalties for air carriers that cancel flights without prior notice, a practice that has increased amid rising fuel costs following the recent Middle East conflict. Carriers with high cancellation rates will face penalties including disadvantages in the allocation of traffic rights.
