2 hrs ago
Samsung AI Refrigerators Bricked After South Korea Update
Some Samsung refrigerators in South Korea stopped working after getting a software update.
The update was sent through Samsung’s SmartThings app.
Some screens became stuck showing that the update was running.
After customers unplugged the refrigerators, some would not turn back on.
A repair technician said a motherboard needed to be replaced in one case.
The technician also said many customers across the country were affected.
This happened just before Chuseok, an important Korean holiday.
Samsung said its service centers were working urgently to help customers and reduce their losses.
Samsung Bespoke AI four-door refrigerators made from 2024 onward reportedly stopped working after a firmware update.
The update was delivered through Samsung’s SmartThings app and left some refrigerators without power or functioning screens.
A customer said a technician diagnosed a motherboard failure and described the problem as nationwide.
The failures occurred shortly before Chuseok, raising concerns about food storage during the major holiday.
Samsung said it had observed abnormal power and screen symptoms and was taking emergency measures through its service centers.
- Who
- Customers who owned newer Samsung Bespoke AI four-door refrigerators, along with Samsung Electronics service centers.
- What
- Some refrigerators lost power and stopped functioning after receiving a system update.
- Where
- South Korea.
- When
- The failures were reported after an update notification on Tuesday, September 22, shortly before Chuseok began on Thursday, September 24.
- Why
- The refrigerators reportedly experienced a software-related failure during a firmware update, though Samsung had not formally identified the cause.
Key facts
- Affected products
- Samsung Bespoke AI four-door refrigerators manufactured from 2024 onward
- Update method
- Firmware update notification through the Samsung SmartThings app
- Reported symptoms
- Loss of power, nonfunctioning screens, and refrigerators stuck displaying “Updating”
- Repair diagnosis
- A technician told one customer that the motherboard needed replacement
- Reported scope
- The technician described the issue as affecting customers nationwide
- Timing
- The problem occurred shortly before Chuseok
- Company response
- Samsung said it was taking emergency measures through Samsung Electronics Service Centers
Quotes
Samsung representative
A Samsung representative responding to complaints on the company's Korean community forum
“We are currently taking emergency measures as a top priority through Samsung Electronics Service Centers. If you have confirmed this symptom, please contact the Samsung Electronics Service Center. We will do our best to ensure that our customers do not suffer any losses during the Chuseok holiday period.”
NDTV
“Worried that there might be a problem with the refrigeration or freezing inside the refrigerator, I unplugged it and plugged it back in after 5 minutes, but since then, the power has not turned on at all.”
NDTV
Sources
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