“We were told our trip was canceled while eating at the airport”... 9,000 customers blindsided after travel agency suddenly shuts down

[Financial News] Andersen, a travel agency known for educational trips for teenagers, suddenly shut down early last month amid a police investigation, leaving thousands of customers facing substantial losses.
According to a report by SBS on the 2nd, customer A booked a trip to Europe for this month and another to the United States for February next year through Andersen in June last year. A paid all expenses, including travel costs, by bank transfer.
Then, on the 5th of last month, A learned through the agency’s website that all trips had been suspended because police had searched and seized materials from its offices.
Police said they are investigating possible links between the travel agency and current and former officials of the People’s Democracy Party who were indicted on suspicion of violating the National Security Act.
A, whose losses amount to approximately 17 million won, lamented, “They say the search was carried out because of a political issue, but why should I be dragged into that political fight...?”
The number of victims tallied independently by those affected is currently estimated at around 9,000, while the total losses are reportedly more than 29.5 billion won.
The losses were extensive because the agency sold discounted packages that required customers to pay in cash one year in advance.
Some travelers had their itineraries halted overseas and had to pay additional expenses before returning home. Others were notified of the cancellation at the airport just before departure.
A also said, “I was eating at Incheon International Airport when I received the text message. It said the trip scheduled for the next day had been canceled, and I was told it was extremely difficult to explain that to the children.”
The travel agency is telling customers, “We will resume normal operations in two years,” and “We will transfer your advance payments to other travel products.”
However, the victims are demanding immediate refunds and have begun preparing a class-action lawsuit.
[email protected] An Ga-eul Reporter