The number of applications for motor vehicle replacement or refund for the period from January 2018 to January 2019 stood at 81. (image: Korea Bizwire)
INCHEON, Sept. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s amended Automobile Management Act, known colloquially as the Korean lemon law, which took effect in December 2018, appears to have long way to go to be settled down.
Some critics point out that the law is only loosely enforced, especially given that there are still a number of cases where vehicles have recurring breakdowns one year after being purchased or even repairs have been completed.
The Citizens United for Consumer Sovereignty, a civil group based in Seoul, analyzed the number of cases filed regarding vehicle defects to the Motor Vehicle Recall Center under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport for the period from March 2014 to February 2019.
The analysis showed that the number of cases filed for defects in imported cars totaled 2,891 during the period. Nonetheless, there have no cases of replacement or refund at all.
According to the Citizens’ Coalition for Economic Justice, the number of applications for motor vehicle replacement or refund for the period from January 2018 to January 2019 stood at 81.
Of the total, however, no cases of replacement or refund were seen at all.
“Carmakers are making behind-the-scene agreements with consumers instead of following official procedures under the lemon law.” said Oh Kil-young, a professor of police administration at Shingyeong University.
“Such behaviors make it difficult for the lemon law to be reflected in real life, as well as incapacitating the law itself.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
