Hundreds of Note 7 owners file suit against Samsung in S. Korea

SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) — Hundreds of owners of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in South Korea filed a joint lawsuit against Samsung Electronics Co. on Monday for inconvenience experienced after the discontinuation of the device, a local law firm said.

A total of 527 plaintiffs filed the case with the Seoul Central District Court, seeking 500,000 won (US$440) in compensation each, according to Harvest Law Office.

Ko Young-yeel, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the rights of the consumers were infringed upon as Samsung halted production of the device and asked them to get replacements for other models.

“The consumers were also deprived of their rights to get after-sales service,” he said during a press conference held in front of the court. “(Samsung) should compensate for the mental distress caused by such a situation.”

“Customers have been experiencing inconveniences, which caused several visits to the after-sales service centers in person at their own expense and time for battery check-ups and exchanges even though the purchased products are worth 1 million won,” Ko added.

Earlier this month, Samsung permanently halted sales and production of the fire-prone Note 7, about two months after the device’s launch.

Ko said the number of plaintiffs is likely to increase as the law firm is still receiving applications from those who want to join the suit.

Lawyer Ko Young-yeel (C) speaks during a press conference held in front of the Seoul Central District Court on Oct. 24, 2016, before filing a suit against Samsung Electronics Co., representing hundreds of owners of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. Earlier in the month, Samsung permanently halted sales and production of the fire-prone Note 7, about two months after the device’s launch.