Family Photo Session Booked for $49 Leads to $7,150 Bill Amid Outrage

A consumer's distressing experience with a budget family photoshoot has ignited public debate. The customer, identified as A, shared on an online forum that after booking a 49,000 won family photo session advertised online, they were ultimately charged over 7 million won.

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We only sell original files separately for over 6 million won.

The family initially paid a deposit and proceeded with the photoshoot, enjoying the experience until the photo selection stage. It was then that the studio informed them that original files were not sold separately and required a payment exceeding 6 million won to release them. Feeling pressured and not wanting to spoil the occasion for their parents, A's mother paid the total amount of 7.15 million won on the spot using a credit card, which included 150,000 won for attire and makeup, and 7 million won for albums and frames.

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The 7 million won is too much. Please adjust the package or cancel.

Upon returning home, A attempted to negotiate a revised package or cancellation, citing the excessive cost. However, the studio refused, stating the original files had already been emailed and that their policy mandated the high price. The situation escalated when A's father threatened legal action and consumer protection involvement. The studio then offered to reduce the price to 4 million won for original files only or 5 million won for the original package, a move A described as a "rubber band" price adjustment.

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Refund is absolutely impossible as we have already sent the original files to your email. The original files alone cost 6 million won, and we follow our corporate regulations.

The family is reportedly distressed, with A's mother blaming herself. A advised others to request a complete price list via text or email before booking such services. Online reactions were divided, with some users sharing similar experiences of unexpected charges and others suggesting consumers should verify pricing for unusually low-cost offers.

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How can the price move like a rubber band by 2 to 3 million won with just one word if the price was legitimate and the structure transparent?