Winia Dimchae Voluntarily Recalls Dimchae Kimchi Refrigerators Older Than 15 Years

Winia Dimchae "Parts Collection and Free Replacement"

Winia Dimchae Free Inspection Service. (Photo by Winia Dimchae)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Technology and Standards announced on the 2nd that Winia Dimchae will voluntarily recall its aging kimchi refrigerators, which pose a high fire risk ahead of the kimchi-making season.

Winia Dimchae determined that lid-type kimchi refrigerators manufactured before September 2005 could cause fires due to aging. They explained that over time, foreign substances can accumulate on relay components, potentially causing fires.

Winia Dimchae sold 2.78 million units of the product. According to the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters, 207 fire incidents were reported over five years from 2016 to August this year.

Accordingly, the National Institute of Technology and Standards requested Winia Dimchae to submit accident occurrence reports. After consulting with the institute, Winia Dimchae submitted a recall plan to collect and replace the main PCB components identified as the cause of the fires.

An official from the institute stated, "Even before deciding on this voluntary recall, Winia Dimchae had effectively been conducting a voluntary recall by replacing parts for 41% of the product sales."

Consumers can contact Winia Dimchae to receive free replacement of aging parts without any time limit. Detailed information will be announced on the Winia Dimchae website and the National Institute of Technology and Standards Product Safety Information Center.

The institute issued recommended measures under the Product Safety Basic Act to online secondhand product mall operators.

In cooperation with the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation's Electrical Safety Research Institute, the institute plans to identify consumers using the product and support Winia Dimchae in effectively carrying out the voluntary recall.

Furthermore, joint investigations with the Fire Agency and others will be conducted on kimchi refrigerators from companies other than Winia Dimchae to understand fire incident status and analyze causes.