{
  "id": 1957224,
  "title": "‘My heart sank’: Abrupt closure of Korea Artiz Studio leaves engaged couples in limbo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/my-heart-sank-abrupt-closure-of-korea-artiz-studio-leaves-engaged-1957224",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-19T14:48:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/korea-artiz-studio-sudden-closure-couples-affected-case-6329011"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ms Lim Ying Xuan's heart sank when she learned that Korea Artiz Studio had abruptly closed without delivering on their promise. The bridal photoshoot studio, which specialised in high-end Korean-themed wedding photography, had left a number of engaged couples in a state of limbo. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) had received over 66 complaints from affected customers, with pre-payment losses reaching over S$271,000.\n\nMs Lim, 26, had been drawn to the studio due to their minimalist photoshoot style and had won a cash voucher through a lucky draw at the location. She had agreed to pay S$3,300 for the photoshoot package on the spot, trusting that the studio was legitimate. However, she later discovered that she was one of the many customers who had been left without compensation or photos.\n\nThe studio, founded by Kim Yong Seon in South Korea in 2008, had expanded to Taiwan, Jakarta, and Singapore. However, recent internal operational issues had led to the company being unable to fulfil scheduled photography sessions and services, as well as pay its employees' salaries. Customers were left unaware of the closure until they received a message apologising for the situation and were told not to visit the studio for scheduled sessions.\n\nMs Glenna Tham, 25, had also paid S$3,200 for a photoshoot package at the studio after winning a cash voucher through a lucky draw. She too received a message apologising for the unexpected situation and was left to deal with the heartbreak of not receiving her paid-for services. Other customers, such as Crystal, had noticed red flags such as the studio's closure in China and the salesperson's confidence despite her concerns. As the investigation into the closure continues, affected customers are left to seek justice and compensation for their unpaid services.",
  "summary": "The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) said 66 complaints have been lodged, with pre-payment losses amounting to over S$271,000.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "‘My heart sank’: Abrupt closure of Korea Artiz Studio leaves engaged couples in limbo",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/my-heart-sank-abrupt-closure-of-korea-artiz-studio-leaves-engaged",
        "published": "2026-08-19T14:48:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}