LG to provide ‘total home solutions’

LAS VEGAS ― LG Electronics CEO Cho Seong-jin apologized for having caused public concerns over his alleged involvement in damaging a washer made by its rival at a global consumer electronics show last year.

Speaking at a news conference at the 2015 International CES here, Cho said, “I would like to make a sincere apology first for the latest incidents.”

Cho, who is in charge of the company’s home appliance and air solution unit, has been accused of having masterminded a plot to damage Samsung Electronics’ washing machine during the IFA electronics trade show in Germany last September.

In connection with the case, he was questioned several times by the prosecution in Seoul before travelling to this U.S. city to attend the CES trade show.

Last month, investigators raided LG headquarters in Seoul and banned him from leaving the country. But the travel ban was lifted.

When asked about details of the prosecutorial investigation against him, Cho said, “It is not appropriate to comment on the ongoing investigation.”

Talking about LG’s business strategies for this year at the press conference, he said, “LG will try to provide total home solutions for consumers by combining its capability in home appliance and air conditioning businesses.”

To that end, LG unveiled a range of new products including the Tromm Plus, featuring two drums ― one for a large load and the other for a small load ― and the new clothing refresher Styler lineup at the CES.

By Kim Young-won, Korea Herald correspondent
(wone0102@heraldcorp.com)