Program offers up to 700,000 won a month for studios under 33 square meters
More than 100 employees under investigation
Samsung Electronics has launched an investigation into some employees at its Device Solutions division, the chip business, suspected of improperly receiving company housing subsidies.
According to industry sources Tuesday, an anonymous online community for office workers has recently seen a string of posts alleging misconduct. The posts claim some Device Solutions employees at Samsung Electronics' Pyeongtaek plant submitted lease contracts that misrepresented their actual rental terms in order to receive housing support.
Since 2022, Samsung's Device Solutions division has provided rent support for workers at the Pyeongtaek plant who live in officetels, studios or 1.5-room units smaller than 33 square meters. The support amounts to up to 700,000 won ($521) a month. The welfare program is intended for employees who need a separate residence because commuting from their family home is difficult or because they work shifts.
However, allegations have emerged that some employees who in fact live in housing larger than 33 square meters, or in two-room units, misrepresented the size or type of their housing on lease contracts. They are accused of doing so to improperly collect the subsidy.
Samsung Electronics has been verifying the facts behind the allegations concerning employees who received the housing subsidy. The company is reportedly investigating more than 100 employees. It is expected to decide whether to claw back subsidies and pursue disciplinary action after confirming several details. These include whether each applicant met the eligibility requirements, whether the submitted documents were authentic, and the actual amounts paid out.
yeongdai@heraldcorp.com
