Radiation Incident at Samsung Chip Plant Sparks Investigation

South Korea's nuclear safety authorities are investigating a radiation exposure incident involving two workers at Samsung Electronics' chip plant in Giheung. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission is assessing radiation dose and compliance with safety rules. Samsung is supporting the workers' treatment and aiding in the investigation.

South Korea's nuclear safety authorities said on Wednesday that they have launched an investigation after two workers at a Samsung Electronics chip plant were exposed to radiation. The incident took place at Samsung's plant in Giheung, south of Seoul, on Monday, and the authorities have suspended operation of the equipment as part of efforts to determine the exact cause.

"We plan to evaluate the exact radiation exposure dose for the patients ... and will conduct an additional investigation into the plant," the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission said in a statement, adding that it would take administrative measures if it confirms any violations of safety rules. Samsung said the workers' hands were accidentally exposed to X-rays and that it was fully supporting their treatment and recovery while cooperating with the authorities.

The employees were showing abnormal symptoms on their fingers though their blood tests were normal, the commission said.