"Will COVID-19 Be Designated as a Natural Disaster? Engaged Couples Face Cancellation Fee Conflicts with Sorrow"

Pre-wedding Couples Distressed by Wedding Hall Cancellations Due to COVID-19
Disputes Over Cancellation Fees as Natural Disaster Clause Does Not Apply

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] # A couple in their 30s preparing for marriage is struggling day by day these days. They want to postpone their wedding due to concerns about the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but they are in conflict with the wedding hall because of cancellation penalties. The groom-to-be, Mr. A, said, "The whole world is on alert because of COVID-19. Isn't this a natural disaster to some extent?" He added, "This should be considered a valid reason for canceling a reservation. I wish COVID-19 could be recognized as a natural disaster."

As COVID-19 cases surge worldwide, worries among couples preparing for marriage are growing. Due to fears of infection, there is a noticeable tendency to avoid crowded facilities, and even if they want to postpone their wedding schedules, huge cancellation penalties lead to conflicts with wedding halls.

The issue is whether the COVID-19 situation can be considered a natural disaster. If it qualifies as a natural disaster, contracts can be canceled for unavoidable reasons, but infectious diseases like COVID-19 are classified as social disasters, not natural disasters, under the Framework Act on the Management of Disasters and Safety (Disaster Safety Act).

Accordingly, cancellations of weddings due to COVID-19 are not considered natural disasters, so deposits cannot be refunded, causing conflicts over this issue.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency on the 26th, from January 20 to February 25, there were 2,442 consultations related to COVID-19 cancellation penalties at the Consumer Counseling Center. Among them, 359 cases involved wedding services.

According to the Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards, if a consumer cancels 90 days in advance, the deposit is refundable; if canceled 60 days in advance, 10% of the total cost is charged as a penalty; 20% if canceled 30 days in advance; and 35% if less than 30 days.

On the 22nd, a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) was transferred to the negative pressure ward at Gangwon National University Hospital in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Since the COVID-19 situation is not considered a natural disaster, couples-to-be must continue disputes over penalty payments.

Mr. B, a mid-30s office worker preparing for his wedding, said, "The wedding schedule can be adjusted, but the penalty issue is different," adding, "I need to discuss this with the wedding hall, but it is mentally exhausting."

The same applies to honeymoons. Although travel plans were made, due to the impact of COVID-19, entry bans or stricter entry procedures for arrivals from Korea have forced many to cancel their trips.

Currently, entry bans are in place in 17 countries including Japan and Vietnam, and 13 countries such as Taiwan and Colombia have restricted entry through quarantine or strengthened inspections, totaling 30 countries. Additionally, 24 countries including the United States have issued warnings advising caution when visiting Korea, and suspensions of flights from Korea are increasing.

As a result, the number of consumers canceling trips is rising. According to data received by Independent Assemblyman Lee Tae-gyu's office from the Korea Consumer Agency on the 23rd, 124 claims for relief related to cancellation penalties due to travel cancellations were filed from February 1 to 15.

However, disputes over penalties must still be resolved. The Fair Trade Commission’s recommended standard overseas travel contract states that travel contracts can only be changed when the travel purpose cannot be achieved due to natural disasters such as typhoons or floods, war, or government orders.

A representative of a consumer organization said, "There are no regulations that recognize COVID-19 as a natural disaster regarding various contract cancellations," but added, "A system is needed to minimize the damage consumers may suffer due to the impact of COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.