LG CEO is declared not guilty of damaging Samsung’s washing machine

Cho Seong-jin (aged 59), CEO of home appliance at LG Electronics, and others who were charged of damaging Samsung’s washers at German electronics shops last year were acquitted in the first trial of the court.

The 29th detective division of Seoul Central District Court (chief judge Yun Seong-un) declared the CEO and Cho Han-ki (aged 50), head of washing machine R&D center, who were indicted for damaging property innocent. The court decided dismissal of an indictment for the CEO and executive director surnamed Jeon in charge of public relations (aged 55) who were charged of defamation against Samsung Electronics.

The court admitted that the washing machine had been broken in September when the investigation was made and the CEO touched the machine. It didn’t recognize, however, that Cho`s act damaged the washer or he had any intention to do so.

“(Given CCTV footages) It seems that Cho’s posture was hard to give strong pressure to washer’s door and the body of the machine was not observed to have been shaky when he pressed the door. It can’t be easily ruled out that the act of others or other causes brought about the damage on the door,” said the court. It also said that Cho is not guilty of interfering Samsung’s business by circulating false press document.

eulius@donga.com