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Winia Dimchae. (Photo = Winia) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Winia has reported 121 fire incidents in 2022 involving 412 models of its lid-type Dimchae kimchi refrigerators manufactured before September 2005.
Since a recall was initiated in December 2020, the total number of fire incidents has risen to 659. Notably, 69.3% (457 cases) occurred in households of users aged 60 and older.
On January 24, the Korea Consumer Agency and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards urged people visiting parents or relatives during the Lunar New Year holiday to inspect their kimchi refrigerators.
Winia explained that prolonged use of older lid-type Dimchae models can cause tracking phenomena—electrical currents flowing along surfaces due to moisture and dust—around the relay component, leading to fires. The company has been conducting a recall to address this issue.
The recall remains the only solution, as continued use without repair increases fire risks over time. Customers can contact Winia’s Customer Support Center (1588-9588) for free replacement of outdated components or request free disposal services.
To promote awareness, the Korea Consumer Agency and the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards have distributed recall posters to 244 local governments and are encouraging welfare service officials to check kimchi refrigerators during home visits to elderly households.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
