Weverse is currently under fire by GFRIEND fans over their implementation of a transfer fee for membership refunds.
Keep on reading to know more.
GFRIEND Departs from Source Music, Fans Request Weverse Membership Refund
Back on May 22, GFRIEND fans, collectively known as Buddy, were given the shocking news that GFRIEND had departed from their agency, Source Music, and subsequently disbanding after completing their six-year contract and failing to come to an agreement on contract renewal.
Following the news of their disbandment, fans have requested that Weverse, a fan community service platform, refund them of their GFRIEND Buddy Membership. Subsequently, Weverse released their refund policies which angered fans, such that the refund can only be converted into Weverse Cash, which can only be used in the Weverse Shop.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: GFRIEND Fans Angered Over Refund Policies Set by Source Music for Fanclub Membership
Weverse then released an apology over the refund policies and have converted the refunds to actual cash instead. However, another issue occurred during the membership refunding, wherein personal information of the fans who have sent in their refund request form became public for around nine minutes.
Weverse once again apologized for the issue.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Source Music Apologizes for Lack of Communication With Fans Regarding GFRIEND's Disbandment and Problem on Membership Refunds
Weverse Implements 80 Percent Transfer Fee for GFRIEND Buddy Membership Refund
In July, Weverse had finally started the refunding process. However, the platform is once again under fire for its lacking customer service. In addition, international fans have discovered that Weverse's refund process requires the fans to pay for the transfer fee - which is around 80 percent of their membership fee.
According to an international fan who had requested for a refund, they were refunded $18.20 USD of their membership, however, they were charged $15 USD for the transfer fee, making their total refund only $3.20 USD.
As of this writing, Weverse has not yet responded to the growing frustration over the transfer fees.
What are your thoughts on the issue?
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GFRIEND's Last Releases Prior to Disbandment
Back in February 2020, GFRIEND released their eighth mini-album "Labyrinth," featuring their lead single "Crossroads." This release also marked their first Korean comeback after HYBE acquired their label, Source Music, back in 2019.
In the same year, GFRIEND released their ninth mini-album "Song of the Sirens," with the lead single "Apple."
On November 9, 2020, the six-member group released what would eventually be their last album release, their third full-album, "Walpurgis Night," which featured 11 songs, including their lead single "Mago."
"Walpurgis Night" was a success on music charts, entering within the Top 20 and being named as one of the best K-Pop albums by various media outlets.
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Written by Robyn Joan
