LG CEO indicted for damaging Samsung washing machines

An LG chief has been charged by South Korean prosecutors with intentionally damaging Samsung washing machines. Meanwhile, LG has filed a lawsuit against Samsung for alleged theft of OLED technology.

Reuters reported this, which obtained the information from a spokesperson for LG. Seong-jin and two other employees have been charged in a washing machine case. LG allegedly damaged Samsung washing machines in German stores, the indictment says. The lawsuit must show that Seong-jin, who heads the home appliances division, is responsible for intentionally damaging his competitor’s merchandise. Seong-jin has to answer to South Korean prosecutors before a local court.

Samsung filed a complaint against Seong-jin and the two other employees in September, after which an investigation was launched by the authorities. At the end of last year, South Korean authorities raided LG’s headquarters. The company complained about the investigation, but previously admitted that it was involved in the damage to Samsung washing machines; according to LG, that happened by accident.

Meanwhile, LG has filed a lawsuit against some Samsung Display employees. They would have stolen OLED technology. Samsung denies this, because the technology in question is already widespread, so LG can not lay claim to it. Both companies are investing heavily in OLED. It is rumored that Samsung and LG have previously held talks with each other to reach an agreement. That would not have worked, which led to mutual lawsuits.

Samsung and LG are regularly at odds with each other. The two South Korean companies are fierce competitors. For example, the companies compete with each other in TVs, smartphones, refrigerators, washing machines and other equipment.