[Anchor]
Samsung Electronics has halted sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones worldwide.
The tech giant also told those that already own the devices to stop using them altogether while it investigates reports of fires.
Ron Chang has the details.
[Reporter]
In a statement posted on its website earlier today, Samsung said it made the decision after consulting with the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards and other related authorities.
Earlier this week, the tech giant halted production of the smartphone.
The company is offering to exchange Note 7 devices for other products or refund them.
The transport ministry has advised airline passengers not to use their Note 7 smartphones while in the air or stow them in their checked baggage.
Finance minister Yoo Il-ho (유일호) said that Samsung's worsening crisis over the devices will likely hurt exports if the model is scrapped altogether.
Analysts said a permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to 17 billion dollars and tarnish its reputation as a leader in smartphone development.
Foreign press covered the news extensively, with the American tech site The Verge saying that it was a shocking but inevitable turn of events for Samsung.
Bloomberg News said Samsung Electronics vice chairman Lee Jae-yong (이재용) now faces the company's biggest crisis, adding smartphone users are now turning to Apple and Google for an alternative.
Ron Chang, eFM News.■
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