"When Visiting Parents' Home, Check 'This' First"…The 'Time Bomb' of Aging Kimchi Refrigerators

Cap Model Produced Before September 2005

The Korea Consumer Agency and the National Institute of Technology and Standards have reiterated their call for a recall, warning that continuing to use old Winia Dimchae kimchi refrigerators increases the risk of fire.

According to the two organizations on the 7th, the recalled kimchi refrigerators are lid-type models produced before September 2005. Due to long-term use, certain parts have deteriorated, causing tracking phenomena that lead to fire accidents. Tracking refers to the flow of electric current along dust or contaminants on the surface of electronic products, carbonizing parts and causing fires.

The Winia Dimchae kimchi refrigerator model subject to recall
Photo by Asia Economy DB

Since implementing the recall in December 2020, the Consumer Agency and the National Institute of Technology and Standards have promoted various campaigns to increase compliance. As a result, among the 2.78 million recalled units sold, it is estimated that fewer than 10,000 units remain in use without being recalled by consumers.

However, the two organizations emphasized that fires have still occurred recently and stressed the importance of repairing the units before use to prevent accidents. A representative from the Consumer Agency and the National Institute of Technology and Standards stated, "Most victims of fires involving recalled kimchi refrigerators are elderly people aged 60 and above with limited access to information," and urged, "During the Lunar New Year holidays, check the kimchi refrigerators at your parents' and relatives' homes, and if they are subject to recall, stop using them immediately and contact the manufacturer to receive safety measures."