South Korea Orders Clinics to Revise Unfair Refund Policies for Pre-Paid Procedures

South Korea's Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) has mandated changes to contract terms used by several dermatology and plastic surgery clinics, addressing practices that unfairly limited refunds for pre-paid cosmetic procedures. The commission's review identified and corrected six types of clauses deemed unfair among 15 clinics specializing in aesthetic treatments.

The KFTC's intervention targets the common practice of selling package deals for cosmetic procedures, where patients pay in advance for multiple sessions. Previously, some clinics imposed overly restrictive conditions on refunding these pre-paid services, causing significant consumer dissatisfaction and financial loss when treatments were canceled or not fully utilized.

This move by the KFTC aims to protect consumers by ensuring fairer refund policies. The revised terms are expected to provide patients with more reasonable options for obtaining refunds, particularly in cases where services are not rendered as promised or when unforeseen circumstances prevent completion of the treatment plan.

The commission's proactive stance underscores its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights in the rapidly growing cosmetic surgery and dermatology market in South Korea. The enforcement action is anticipated to set a precedent for other clinics and promote more transparent business practices within the industry.