LG Electronics to provide free repairs at Dokdo after massage chair breakdown goes viral

LG Electronics has agreed to provide free repairs and inspections at Dokdo after learning that the islets' coast guard unit had been left without working massage chairs and struggling to obtain after-sales service.

According to industry sources Thursday, the Dokdo Coast Guard unit submitted a service request for its massage chairs in late May but canceled the appointment in early June while technicians were trying to coordinate a visit.

The issue came to public attention after photographer Woo Tae-ha posted on social media that an LG massage chair at the Dokdo Coast Guard unit had broken down and was difficult to get repaired.

Both LG Electronics massage chairs at the unit were out of service, with the remote location making repairs particularly difficult. Posts seeking anyone who could fix them spread online.

After learning of the situation, LG Electronics said it would carry out free inspections and repairs covering not only the massage chairs but also other LG appliances at the site, including a system air conditioner.

Seo Gyeong-deok, a professor at Sungshin Women's University who organized a "Korean History Tour" that involved unfurling a large South Korean flag on Dokdo, shared Woo's photos and said: "Woo, who had previously photographed the flag by drone, recently posted about it on social media, and once it became an issue online, LG Electronics said it would proceed with the repairs."

"They plan to visit Dokdo soon to conduct free inspections of the massage chairs as well as other LG appliances and to carry out any necessary repairs," Seo added, saying the company also plans to "run an annual inspection program going forward to continuously manage LG products used by the Dokdo Coast Guard unit."

He called the development "very welcome news," saying it "sets a good precedent for a Korean company doing what it can for Dokdo, and will serve as another occasion to reaffirm that Dokdo is South Korean territory."

"The very fact that a South Korean company is going to Dokdo to provide after-sales service is only possible because it is our territory," he added, saying he "looks forward to seeing more Korean companies step up for Dokdo in the future."