[Economy pick] "There's no discount only in Korea"...Discriminatory treatment of OTT

[Anchor]
This is the third topic.

"No Discounts Only in Korea"…OTT discrimination
What do you mean that only Korea can't get a discount?

[Reporter]
The average number of OTT services used by Koreans is 2.4 and the monthly subscription fee is more than 20,000 won.

It's not a small amount, by any means.

The Korea Consumer Agency and Min Byung-duk of the Democratic Party of Korea investigated the service status of the top six OTT operators in Korea, including YouTube, Netflix, and Tving.

YouTube operated discount plans such as student membership and family plans abroad, but only applied a single premium plan in Korea.

In addition, Netflix is not canceling and refunding the payment seven days after the payment date.

[Anchor]
Were you able to get a refund on the remaining subscription fee if it was terminated in the middle?

[Journalist]
Yes, that's right.

All six OTT companies can apply for cancellation online,
As for the
problem, only four places specified in the terms and conditions that the remaining usage amount can be refunded, and Netflix or Coupang Play were difficult to get a refund.

In addition, the remaining four operators were also found to have been poorly informed that refunds were possible, so they actually maintained the service until the next payment date and ended the contract without a refund.

Earlier, the Fair Trade Commission began the sanctions process regarding the issue of 'interfering with subscription' by OTT operators such as Netflix,

It is expected to be concluded by the end of this year.

[Anchor]
What other complaints did consumers have about OTT?

[Reporter]
Over the past three years, the total number of OTT-related consultations received by the Consumer Agency has been 1,160 cases, 63% of which are related to the top six OTTs.

Among the six reasons for OTT consultation, 47% of the total was related to contract cancellation or penalty, followed by unfair fee payment.

In addition, there were not a few cases in which OTT operators received more or mischarged charges,

3 operators did not have separate terms and conditions regarding the refund procedure for overpayment and mispayment.

The Korea Consumer Agency recommended OTT operators to strengthen the guarantee and guidance of intermediate cancellation rights, prepare terms and conditions for refunding over and mispayment, or consider introducing a discount rate system.