"Received Full Refund, but..." What to Do with Overseas Direct Purchase Arriving After Four Months?

International Mail Service Resumes... Products Held Up at Global Logistics Centers 'Rush Out'

On the 18th, the number of international express (EMS) mail items received at the postal window of Gwanghwamun Post Office in Seoul was noticeably reduced. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, international flights have been canceled, resulting in the suspension of EMS mail acceptance to over 40 countries. Even for countries where acceptance is possible, flight reductions and increased volume have caused delivery delays. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] In March, Mr. Kim, who directly purchased clothing from a UK company, waited for three months before requesting a refund. The item was stuck at London Airport and did not move, and the company announced that delivery was delayed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Eventually, Mr. Kim received a full refund. Then, about a month later, on the 27th, the ordered product was delivered to Mr. Kim's home?four months after the order was placed.

Due to international shipping disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, many people have experienced situations similar to Mr. Kim's. The issue now is how consumers who receive both a refund and the product simultaneously should respond. As suspended international postal services gradually resume, products stuck at international logistics centers in various countries are beginning to move, and such cases are expected to increase.

With sellers not providing clear answers, online debates continue over whether consumers should return the product or make a new payment. Many netizens argue that since the refund was processed due to the seller's fault in delayed delivery, consumers bear no fault. Some have contacted overseas sellers directly but received replies stating that "delivery cannot be confirmed."

However, from a fundamental legal perspective, receiving and using a product after having been refunded constitutes 'unjust enrichment,' according to legal experts. Therefore, making a new payment or returning the product can help prevent future disputes.

Attorney Jang Joon-sung of the law firm How said, "If the company later confirms that delivery was completed, it is clear they will request a new payment or product return," adding, "If the customer who received the product remains indifferent or a dispute arises, the company can take various necessary legal actions."

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