Consumer complaints and damage reports related to "academy-style talent agencies"—which lure aspiring stars with promises of audition opportunities or guaranteed casting—are on the rise.

According to the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA), dispute mediation applications regarding academy-style talent agencies have increased every year, with contract cancellations accounting for the vast majority at 98.6%.

Academy-style talent agencies are entities that provide entertainment-related training and education while charging tuition and other fees.

Statistics show that damage relief applications rose from 41 cases in 2023 to 86 cases in 2024, and further surged to 148 cases in 2025. In the first half of this year alone, 91 cases were filed—a 75.0% increase compared to the 52 cases recorded during the same period last year.

By age group, children and adolescents made up the largest share of contract parties at 50.3%, followed by adults aged 40 to 64 at 23.5%, and those in their 20s to 30s at 22.6%.

During the contracting process, common tactics included conducting a camera test and claiming the applicant passed the audition either the same day or the next to pressure them into signing. Agencies were also found to rush consumers who hesitated by claiming that "the opportunity will disappear if you don't act now," depriving them of sufficient time to carefully consider the contract.

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