[Why&Next] Verdict Postponed Twice... Can Nexon Reduce the 11.6 Billion Won Fine?

Paid Item Probability Controversy
Nexon Challenges 11.6 Billion Won Fine
Focus Shifts to Verdict After March 18 Hearing

On March 18, 2024, Nexon, which is currently engaged in administrative litigation and proceedings with the Fair Trade Commission over the probability controversy of paid items in "MapleStory," will hold an additional hearing in the afternoon. Previously, Nexon filed an administrative lawsuit contesting the Fair Trade Commission's decision to impose a fine of 11.6 billion won. The first verdict, initially postponed once and scheduled for January 28, was delayed again as an additional hearing date was set. The court determined that it was necessary to organize the key issues and listen to further arguments from both sides.

Nexon Pangyo Headquarters. Photo by Nexon

The court can reopen concluded hearings right before a verdict if new evidence is submitted or if there is a need for legal supplementation. This also applies when the presiding judge is replaced, although such situations are rare.

Observers note that it was inevitable to adjust the schedule, as both Nexon and the Fair Trade Commission continued to submit reference documents until just before the verdict. Additionally, the controversy over probability errors in paid items in "Maple Story Idle," which erupted around the same period, may have also influenced the proceedings.

This administrative lawsuit stems from Nexon's objection to the fine of approximately 11.6 billion won imposed by the Fair Trade Commission in January 2024. The verdict was originally scheduled for December 17, 2023. However, the court postponed the decision to January 28, 2024, and just a day before the scheduled verdict, opted to reopen the hearing instead of issuing a ruling.

The main point of contention in this closely contested lawsuit is whether the law can be retroactively applied. The Fair Trade Commission imposed the corrective order and fine, arguing that Nexon manipulated the probability of item drops in "MapleStory" and "Bubble Fighter" to disadvantage consumers and failed to disclose this information.

For example, in "MapleStory," it was found that Nexon altered the probability structure of the paid item "Cube," which changes character equipment options, so that the most popular and desirable options would appear less frequently. Nexon then falsely announced that "no changes had been made" or concealed the details by stating that "users should discover such matters themselves."

In response, Nexon argued that the Fair Trade Commission's decision came before the "Probability-Type Item Information Disclosure System" was implemented on March 22, 2024, and that retroactive application would undermine legal stability. Nexon insists that the Cube case occurred prior to 2016, at a time when such disclosure was not mandatory, and revisiting these issues would negatively impact the domestic gaming industry.

The issue intensified ahead of the scheduled verdict in January, when a probability error controversy erupted over paid items in the mobile game "Maple Story Idle." As a result, Nexon implemented a "full refund" policy for the first time in its history—a move rarely seen in the industry. Nexon was evaluated as taking action to prevent the situation from escalating and to restore trust.

The gaming industry is closely watching what precedent Nexon's response might set. This is because efforts to prevent recurrence could affect the calculation of fines. However, even if Nexon wins the lawsuit or the fine is reduced, it is expected to be difficult to avoid criticism, as user dissatisfaction at the time was significant. There is also a sense of regret that ongoing controversy continues to erupt around their major intellectual properties (IP).

An industry source commented, "Due to mandatory information disclosure, such structural problems are now unlikely to occur. However, as President Lee Jaemyung has mentioned considering effective and strong economic sanctions against game companies violating probability-based item regulations, it seems unlikely that the scales will tip completely in companies' favor."

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