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October 30, 2009
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Samsung Electronics yesterday ordered the largest voluntarily recall of Korean electronic consumer goods. The leading product manufacturer recalled 210,000 side-by-side Zipel refrigerators manufactured between March 2005 and June of this year. The recall will continue until the end of January. The recall came after a Zipel refrigerator exploded on Oct. 10 at an apartment in Yongin, Gyeonggi. The company said a heater that prevents the cooling pipe from freezing overheated, leading to the explosion. Samsung Electronics has the largest refrigerator market share in Korea. “The chance of a refrigerator blowing up is extremely slim,” said a Samsung Electronics official requesting anonymity. “The recall is a preventive step.” Samsung refrigerators not included in the recall can also get free safety checkups. Some speculate that former Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee requested the recall. Although no longer involved in Samsung Group management, Lee reportedly has taken interest in the company as a major shareholder. According to a Samsung Group official, after hearing about the refrigerator explosion, Lee became very angry and harshly criticized management. By Shim Jae-woo [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr] |
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