Production Volume Before September 2005 ... Choose Between Parts Replacement and Compensation Sale
[Asia Economy Reporters Jo In-kyung, Moon Chae-seok] Winia Dimchae is recalling 2.78 million kimchi refrigerators produced and sold before September 2005 due to fire risks. Consumers who own these products can choose to have parts replaced free of charge or opt for compensation sales.
The Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy’s National Institute of Technology and Standards announced on the 2nd that they confirmed the possibility of fire occurring in specific parts of Winia Dimchae’s old kimchi refrigerators and ordered a recall.
The recall applies to all models of the company’s kimchi refrigerators produced before September 2005, with sales reaching 2.78 million units. All are lid-type (top-opening) models featuring a control display on the front and a machine room (wiring and electrical component assembly) at the bottom.
According to the Fire and Disaster Headquarters, a total of 239 kimchi refrigerator fires have been reported over the past five years. Of these, 207 cases occurred in Winia Dimchae products. All of these are subject to the recall as they were produced before September 2005. The Fire and Disaster Headquarters explained that prolonged use of kimchi refrigerators causes contact failure in the relay contact parts, leading to ignition.
Before this recall, Winia Dimchae had already conducted a de facto voluntary recall by replacing parts in 41% of the sold units. Consumers wishing to participate in the recall can receive collection and replacement services through the Winia Dimchae website or customer service center.
The National Institute of Technology and Standards has also recommended that online malls and others provide related information in preparation for the possibility of these products being traded secondhand. A Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters official warned, "Kimchi refrigerators are insulated on all four sides, so a large amount of toxic smoke can be generated in the event of a fire," urging caution.
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