By Lee Han-soo, Park Si-soo
The Korean government has launched an investigation into the safety of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 smartphones following new battery problems.
The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), a state-run organization under the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is in charge of the investigation, with a similar probe under way in the United States and Taiwan.
“We have currently launched an investigation into replacement Galaxy Note 7s that were exchanged from the original ones last month due to alleged battery problems,” a KATS official said. “The investigation was launched after multiple reports of explosions of replacement Galaxy Note 7s at home and abroad.”
The official said the investigation will determine whether the replacement smartphones should be recalled. The official was uncertain when the investigation will end.
The KATS has set up a tip line for Galaxy Note 7 explosions.
Reports can be made to the Safety Korea Hotline (1600-1384) or KTL (080-808-0114).