South Korea electric range fires rise amid negligence and product recalls

Electric range-related fires in South Korea are on the rise, with incidents increasing from 350 in 2023 to 434 in 2025. According to data from the National Fire Agency, 88% of these fires are attributed to user negligence, including leaving food unattended (35%), general misuse (26%), and placing flammable materials near the appliance (25%).

In response, the National Fire Agency, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, and the Korea Consumer Agency have launched a joint campaign to promote safety guidelines. Recommended precautions include never leaving a cooking appliance unattended, ensuring the power is fully turned off after use, keeping flammable items like paper or cloth away from the unit, and using lock functions to prevent accidental activation by children or pets.

Additionally, authorities are highlighting an ongoing voluntary recall by Haatz for several electric range models. The recall is due to a risk of fire caused by sudden overloads in the internal capacitor component. Affected models include IH-362DTL, IH-361DT, MIH-361LVT, CIH-321HL, IH-360DL, IH-363DTL, IH-364DTL, IH-3601TTL, IH-132S, and IH-232S. Consumers are advised to check their model numbers and manufacturing dates and to stop using recalled products immediately to receive safety measures through the manufacturer's customer center.