Samsung Union Head Sues Members Over 'Defamation' Amid Internal Feud Over Bonuses

The head of Samsung Electronics' largest labor union has filed mass complaints against users who criticized him and the union leadership in an anonymous chatroom.

Around 15 individuals are reportedly under investigation for defamation and insult.

Choi Seung-ho, head of the Samsung Electronics chapter of the Samsung Group Inter-Company Labor Union, announced in a union notice yesterday (September 10) that he took legal action after defamatory remarks and insults targeting him and the executive team continued in the anonymous chatroom following the conclusion of this year's wage agreement.

Choi explained that while he chose not to respond for about two months, he decided to take legal action after concluding that leaving the behavior unchecked would lead to the further spread of slander.

The problematic anonymous chatroom was reportedly shut down after the news of the lawsuits became known.

Before its closure, posts advising members on how to prepare for legal action appeared, such as telling those sued to capture screenshots of the full context of what they wrote and urging them not to leave the chatroom even if it gets deleted.

In a separate union communication channel, a notice was posted guiding sued union members on how to file requests for information disclosure and prepare evidentiary materials, while also offering to connect them with a dedicated attorney if necessary.

Choi claimed that about 15 people are currently under investigation and that the Donghaeng Labor Union, centered around the Device Experience (DX) division, is providing them with financial support using union dues.

He also stated that he received reports from members enrolled in multiple unions that the dissemination of false information and insults against him and the leadership continues even within the Donghaeng Labor Union chatroom, adding that he will consider taking additional legal action following discussions with the leadership.

This conflict is also intertwined with recent controversies surrounding the union leadership's purchase of supplies.

Criticism arose from some union members after it was revealed that Choi purchased certain items, such as rally vests, from a business operated by his father-in-law.

While acknowledging that he contracted with his father-in-law's business, Choi explained that the supplier was chosen after comparing prices and delivery schedules, and emphasized that no personal financial gains, such as rebates or commissions, were returned to him.

Reported by Kim Minjeong | Video by Ahn Jun-hyeok | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.