A controversy has erupted in Azur Lane over the forced replacement of a paid bundle.

At the centre of this storm is the 'Spring Discount Package' released on the 26th. Priced at 12,000 won, it offered one random unacquired skin, 2,025 diamonds, and various growth materials. Given its rather generous value, it’s fair to say many players snapped it up immediately.

However, by 6:00 PM on the 26th, the developer revealed that the package was intended to be a premium item priced at 37,000 won, and that a labelling error had caused it to be swapped with a regular bundle. The team quickly posted a notice and pulled the item from the store.

The real headache began on the 27th with the follow-up measures. According to the notice, those who bought the premium items for 12,000 won would have their skins and diamonds reclaimed and replaced with the intended regular package. Conversely, those who bought the regular package at the premium price would receive a refund for the price difference.

Players are, quite understandably, furious. The core of the issue is that despite the mess being entirely the publisher's fault, players were given zero agency over the refund or exchange process. The forced substitution of items without user consent, coupled with customer support reportedly sending nothing but robotic, automated responses directing users to the notice, has only added fuel to the fire.

Some have pointed out that these measures may violate the E-commerce Act. Indeed, Article 21, Paragraph 1 of the Act explicitly prohibits 'acts that induce consumers to trade or impede the withdrawal of subscription or cancellation of contracts by informing them of false or exaggerated facts or using deceptive methods.'