Advice warning people to absolutely ignore and not respond to offers for free skin-care treatment trials near Gangnam Station in Seoul is gaining attention online.
Recently, a viral post on social media advised women in their early 20s, especially those who just became adults or recently moved to Seoul, stating, "If someone near Gangnam Station asks if you want to try free skincare treatments, ignore them no matter what and just keep walking." A user on X noted, "They'll say things like 'Only for students' or 'Special offer for our grand opening,' but in the end they'll force you to pay," adding, "They drag you into a consultation room in an instant, making it very easy for newly adults to become victims."
Other netizens shared their experiences, saying, "I got caught too. I usually ignore strangers on the street, but since it was a middle-aged woman, I let my guard down without realizing it. Once I responded, she wouldn't let go of me," "This has been going on for a long time, but it feels like they're dragging people more aggressively these days," and "I was walking through the Gangnam underground shopping mall when someone grabbed my arm. Before I knew it, I was sitting in a dermatology clinic consultation room. I got away without paying because I kept on saying 'I have no money' and 'I'll come back with my mom tomorrow.' In the end, they resorted to personal attacks and even insulted my appearance."
In most cases, these aggressive sales tactics involve middle-aged women approaching women who look to be in their early 20s near Gangnam Station, offering things like 'coupons for free skincare.' If the target doesn't refuse firmly, they will be dragged to a dermatology clinic. Once there, the staff will encourage them to pay extra to receive 'better' treatments or give them the free treatment first before pressuring them into pre-paying millions of KRW for skincare packages.
The main target is usually women in their early 20s. They usually lower the target's guard by saying, "My daughter is a college student, too," or "Can I ask for directions?" They reportedly ask the age of those who appear to be not able to purchase, such as those in their late teens, and refuse to give them coupons by saying "Students are not allowed."
Those who were targeted by this sales tactics said, "They only approach specific groups like women in their 20s or brides-to-be. The atmosphere makes it impossible not to pay, especially if you have a timid personality. Since this happens inside private aesthetic clinics, it seems hard to crack down on," and "I don't usually respond to this thing. I only stopped because they asked for directions. Using someone's kindness to drag them into clinics is morally wrong."
However, experts state that it is difficult to classify such acts as criminal coercion unless there is physical violence or explicit threats. A police official said, "For coercion to be recognized, there must be violence or threats, which is hard to prove. For intimidation to be recognized, it must go beyond a pressuring atmosphere and there must be a notice of harm serious enough to induce actual fear." Refunds, however, are possible. Skin care treatments can be canceled at any time during the contract period by paying a penalty. If products were purchased, they must remain unopened. Products bought through door-to-door sales can be canceled within 14 days and online purchases within 7 days.
1. [+1,138][-36] These ahjummas in insurance, loans, and things like this... They cause huge damage to others just to make a few pennies for themselves.
2. [+1,035][-8] Do people like that still exist?
3. [+837][-12] These scammers... Why do they even live???ㅋ
4. [+49][-0] got scammed like that a long time ago, and it's still happening;;; Why can’t stuff like this be completely wiped out???
