In South Korea, as the trend for celebrating children's first birthdays with elaborate 'small luxury' events grows, the number of consumer disputes related to such services has also increased. A recent case highlighted the issue when a parent, after paying a deposit for their child's birthday party, sought to cancel the contract due to personal reasons but was denied a refund by the service provider. The company cited terms stating that cancellations made after a week from the contract date would not warrant a return of the deposit.

Data from the Korea Consumer Agency and the Fair Trade Commission indicates a troubling trend in disputes surrounding birthday party services, with a total of 146 complaint filings recorded from 2023 to 2025. Reports show that the majority of these disputes originate from consumers attempting to cancel agreements under unforeseen circumstances, only to find their deposit amounts withheld. As the service offerings in this sector evolve with more options like venue bookings and additional services, consumers are advised to be vigilant regarding the terms and conditions associated with these celebrations.

The government is actively encouraging consumers to thoroughly review all aspects of the services they are engaging with, including details on optional services and related costs. Moreover, businesses are urged to provide clear information about their offerings, including contract terms and conditions, to prevent misunderstandings. If disputes arise, consumers have resources available, such as the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center and Consumer24, to seek guidance and potential restitution.