Samsung is in trouble after two workers were hospitalized after radiation exposure at its Giheung semiconductor factory in South Korea, which is located about 40 km south of Seoul. 
Investigations by South Korea's nuclear safety watchdog found major flaws in Samsung's handling of safety at its semiconductor plant and fined the company for the safety breach.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2024, when factory workers were exposed to powerful X-rays while working with equipment designed for semiconductor analysis. The exposure led to the hospitalization of both workers, who reported symptoms of swollen fingers and red spots.
The workers were exposed to radiation levels of 94 sieverts and 28 sieverts, which are significantly higher than the safety limit of 0,5 sieverts. Initial blood tests showed no chromosomal abnormalities, although further monitoring and testing are still ongoing.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NSSC) of South Korea an official investigation was launched on this matter and found that the Samsung factory lacked important safety protocols.
The investigation revealed that the incident was caused when a safety device that should have automatically shut off the radiation failed to activate on its own. The NSSC said three of the eight such security systems at the facility malfunctioned due to deliberate tampering, although it was unable to determine who was responsible and when it happened.
