The Fair Trade Commission announced on the 14th that it has imposed a penalty surcharge of 36 million won along with a corrective order against the online game company KOG for violating the Electronic Commerce Act by misrepresenting the probability of winning.
The problematic game is 'Grand Chase Classic,' operated by KOG. The probability-based item 'Gem Seal Release Scroll' sold in this game was presented to consumers as a typical lottery product with a chance of winning per draw; however, it was actually designed with a structure where the probability of winning was 0% for the initial designated number of draws.
According to the Fair Trade Commission, the basic structure was such that the probability of winning was 0% for the first three draws, and then gradually increased thereafter. Furthermore, if consumers already owned several of the items, the probability effectively remained at '0%' until the ninth draw, thus excluding the possibility of winning in reality.
Nevertheless, KOG had informed on its website and elsewhere that “the winning probability was between 1.10% and 17.16%.” The Fair Trade Commission judged this to be a clear case of false information.
A Fair Trade Commission official noted, “This item not only affects appearance but also impacts combat power, making it a product through which players can acquire equipment.” The official added, “As consumers often weigh the advantages and disadvantages while making purchases during gameplay, it is essential to provide accurate information.”
The product was sold from August 2022 to February 2023, recording sales of approximately 3 billion won. As the structure became known later, complaints from consumers increased.
The Fair Trade Commission has determined KOG's actions as 'deceptive practices to lure consumers' under Article 21, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Electronic Commerce Act, and has decided to impose a penalty surcharge alongside a future prohibition order against similar acts.
A Fair Trade Commission official stated, “As with digital goods like game items, accurate information is crucial for purchase decisions.” The official added, “We will respond rigorously to illegal activities going forward.”