Funeral Hall Director Booked Crematorium Fraudulently and Canceled Multiple Reservations

"Other funeral halls and individual directors suffered damages"
Investigation launched after complaint filed
No significant penalties even after cancellations
Company in question denies allegations: "Never made false reservations... malicious rumors"

The head of a funeral hall in Busan has been accused of monopolizing crematorium reservations by making false bookings in the cremation reservation system.

On the 13th, Yonhap News reported that "the Busanjin Police Station in Busan has booked and is investigating a man in his 30s, Mr. A, on charges including obstruction of business." According to the report, the police recently received a complaint alleging that Mr. A monopolized crematorium slots through false reservations in the crematorium reservation system operated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The complaint stated, "It is presumed that Mr. A's false reservation actions caused damage to other funeral halls and individual funeral directors."

According to industry sources, the number of canceled reservations at the Yeongnak Park Crematorium in Busan increased significantly from an average of about 170 cancellations per month last year to about 470 cancellations last month. There was even a case where up to around 100 cancellations were made under one person's name within a year.

Currently, the crematorium reservation system allows reservations to be made on behalf of the bereaved family, and cancellations do not result in penalties in case the cremation site is changed. However, if a reservation is canceled without an actual death, it is considered potentially illegal and requires police investigation. The police are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the case involving Mr. A and others.

Regarding this, Mr. A told Yonhap News, "I have never made false reservations and then canceled them in the system," adding, "As the funeral hall I operate has prospered, it seems that malicious rumors have been spread out of jealousy." He further stated, "I will sincerely cooperate with the police investigation" and "I will actively respond to those who spread false information."

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