LG Electronics CEO was Vindicated from Vandalism on Samsung Washing Machine

Seoul court acquitted Jo Seong-jin, LG Electronics Home Appliance CEO, for damaging Samsung washing machine in IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) electronics trade fair last year in Berlin.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Seoul Central District Court found Jo Seong-jin not guilty of vandalizing three Samsung washers at two shops in Berlin in September 2014. Samsung claimed that LG staff members were seen breaking the doors of Samsung's washing machines at the shops, prior to 2014 IFA fair. The incident was reported to the local police by shop clerks.

Prosecutor also accused President Jo on spreading false information, for his statement after the incident that certain parts of Samsung washing machine is vulnerable. The court dedided that Jo Seong-jin was clear on both charges, because prosecution failed to provide evidence that he was actually breaking the washing machine. As for the press release, the court found that the statement in the press release is an expression of opinion, not a statement of fact, thus distributing it cannot be deemed as spreading false information.

Korea Times reported that two other LG executives were also acquitted from the charges. Earlier, the prosecution had handed Cho 10 months in prison, and the other officials were fined for 3 million won and 5 million won. Seoul Central District Court said that, "It has not been proven that Cho damaged the washers and that it had been intentional."

The incident happened in September ahead of Europe's most prestigious electronics fair, the 54th IFA in Berlin. Jo Seong-jin was spotted in closed-circuit television record testing Samsung products displayed in a shop, including washing machine, dishwasher and refrigerator.

Samsung reported that the hinge of its "Crystal Blue" washing machine was broken after Jo Seong-Jin touched the machine. However, LG said Jo's action was his regular procedure to test rival's product which he has been doing for decades working in LG.

Reuters reported that Samsung filed a formal complaint to local prosecutor in September 2014, accusing Jo of deliberately damaging Samsung washers. After the verdict, Jo told reporters, "I will redouble efforts for technological development to produce more good products that will be loved by customers around the world."

Samsung and LG have been rivals for 50 years, not only are they business and technology rivals, but they are also rivals when it comes to their lifestyle. Employees from each company does not mix socially and each of them have preferences of which hangout places to visit. A restaurant that frequently visited by Samsung employees is guaranteed to not have LG employees dine-in.

Even so, such rivalry have created a tight competition between the two companies, which urged them to produce better quality products for customers around the world.