{
  "id": 1869691,
  "title": "CASE gets 66 complaints involving over $270,000 in losses after Korea Artiz Studio stops operations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/case-gets-66-complaints-involving-over-270-000-in-losses-after-korea",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/case-gets-66-complaints-involving-over-270000-in-losses-after-korea-artiz-studio-stops-operations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has received over 60 complaints against bridal studio Korea Artiz Studio, involving more than $271,000 in pre-payment losses after the studio abruptly ceased operations. CASE president Melvin Yong reported that the association received complaints between August 14 and August 18, with complainants reporting that the business was unresponsive to their requests for fulfillment of contracted services or refunds of pre-payments. The studio's notice suggests that closures are due to unpaid salaries, and while they have not received a clear response from the company, they are currently unable to confirm or guarantee that scheduled photography sessions can proceed. Customers were advised not to visit the studio, as the lights were off and no one was present when ST visited on August 18. One affected customer, Luke, was scheduled for a wedding photoshoot on August 15 but was told the studio was closing immediately, and has already paid $3,269 for the service. Luke and other customers are seeking their money back. CASE advises consumers to review photography packages carefully, obtain written confirmations, and retain all relevant documentation before committing to a purchase. Customers can contact CASE for assistance through its hotline or website.",
  "summary": "A notice on the door of the bridal store suggests that the closure of the premises is over unpaid salaries.",
  "key_points": [
    "CASE received 66+ complaints about Korea Artiz Studio losses",
    "Studio closed abruptly, leaving customers $271,000 in losses",
    "Customers advised to review contracts, retain documentation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The surge in complaints against Korea Artiz Studio highlights the need for consumers to be cautious when making pre-payments and to secure written confirmations to protect themselves from potential losses.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}