'Ddimchae with "lid type before September 2005" poses fire risk... Immediate recall required'

National Institute of Technology and Standards and Korea Consumer Agency Urge
Over 10,000 Devices Still Used Without Repairs

On the 7th, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Technology and Standards and the Korea Consumer Agency reiterated their request to immediately participate in the voluntary recall of the Winiya Dimchae old kimchi refrigerators (lid-type models produced before September 2005), as continuing to use them without repair increases the risk of fire.

The recalled kimchi refrigerators have been found to cause fire accidents due to tracking phenomena caused by aging of specific parts after more than 20 years of long-term use. Since the possibility of fire increases in proportion to the product's usage period, it must be used only after repair. Tracking phenomenon refers to the flow of electric current along surfaces contaminated with moisture, dust, and other pollutants on electronic products, which carbonizes parts. Continuous carbonization leads to fire.

According to the National Institute of Technology and Standards and the Korea Consumer Agency, about 10,000 units are still in use without recall since the recall was implemented in December 2020, and fires have recently occurred accordingly. The product was sold in 2.78 million units across 412 models.

Officials from the National Institute of Technology and Standards and the Korea Consumer Agency stated, "Most fire victims of the recalled kimchi refrigerators are elderly people aged 60 or older with low information accessibility (363 out of 540 fires by the end of 2023 after the recall, 67.2%). We urge people to check the kimchi refrigerators at their parents' and relatives' homes when visiting their hometowns during the Lunar New Year holidays, and if the product is subject to recall, to immediately stop using it and contact the manufacturer to promptly receive safety measures."

Consumers using the product should contact the Winiya customer service center to receive measures. If it is difficult to connect by phone, recall registration is possible by accessing the Winiya service website and entering the model name and personal information. The product can receive a safety inspection including free replacement of aged parts. If disposal is desired, free pickup service is provided.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.