[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Toss has faced criticism after adding a feature to its stock trading app that displays the temperature of the Han River, a term often used among investors as a dark metaphor for financial loss.

According to industry sources on March 19, the fintech platform recently introduced a mini-app titled “Han River,” which provided real-time water temperature data based on measurements from nearby locations such as Jungnangcheon.

The feature drew backlash from users, as “checking the Han River temperature” is commonly used in online communities as a self-deprecating expression implying extreme distress following investment losses. Critics argued that the feature trivialized serious issues and could be interpreted as making light of suicide.

Toss explained that the function was developed by an external developer and distributed through its “App-in-Toss” platform, which allows third-party services to be integrated into the app. The company stated that the feature was originally intended to provide useful information for water leisure activities and that potential misinterpretations were not identified during the review process.

“Taking into account concerns that the feature could be interpreted in unintended ways, we have immediately suspended its exposure,” a Toss official said, adding that the company will review its guidelines and operational processes to prevent similar issues in the future.

 

 

 

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