Korea Artiz Studio, a bridal service provider in Singapore, has ceased operations and the premises it occupied have been reclaimed by Carlton Hotel after the company failed to pay staff wages and rent. A notice posted on the studio’s doors on August 20 stated that Carlton Hotel had repossessed the space effective the same day, prohibiting access without prior authorization. The hotel confirmed the repossession and noted the studio had been renting the premises since 2017.
The studio abruptly shut down on August 14, leaving employees without salaries and customers uncertain about their prepaid services. An employee, who requested anonymity, said the studio’s eight staff members—including Singaporeans, Malaysians, and South Koreans—had been receiving their monthly salaries late since approximately May. When wages were not paid on August 7, the employees initially believed the delay was temporary but soon realized the payments were not forthcoming. Staff members are reportedly owed about one month’s salary, with each employee awaiting at least S$2,500. Attempts to contact management, based in China, were unsuccessful, prompting some workers to file police reports on the day the studio closed.
Customer fallout has been considerable. The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) reported receiving 66 complaints between August 14 and 18, with total prepayment losses exceeding S$271,000. Customers who prepaid for packages, typically including outfit rental and photography, have faced service cancellations and difficulty obtaining refunds. A number of affected clients have formed a Telegram group with over 250 members to share information and discuss possible avenues for recourse. One customer told authorities they were informed of the studio’s closure just one day before a planned wedding photoshoot on August 15.
As of August 21, 44 Small Claims Tribunal cases had been filed against Korea Artiz Studio in relation to the unresolved payments and services. Carlton Hotel acknowledged the studio owed outstanding rent but declined to disclose the amount or provide further comment, citing ongoing private tenancy discussions.
Police investigations are underway following reports linked to the studio’s sudden closure. The Ministry of Manpower and the Central Provident Fund Board have been contacted but have not yet issued statements on the matter. The situation continues to develop as customers and former employees seek resolution for the financial and contractual disruptions caused by the studio’s unexpected cessation of operations.