[haunter]

Why are korean tech companies so toxic? Samsung, LG, SK etc all the same. Doesn’t matter if they sell you a phone, a TV, or a refrigator there is something inherently wrong how korean companies are treating the customers.

[mhitza]

When Samsung accounts for almost 25% of South Korea's GDP they are allowed to do whatever they want, and they will set the tone and consumer approach.

Good reminder that companies so large are never a good thing.

[htx80nerd]

Same thing with Verizon wireless, who dominated the US cell phone market. Openly hostile "customer service".

[g947o]

This question hinges on the fact that they are the dominant brands in the US and some other markets, which is not true when you look at China or India. They benefit from lack of competition.

Now, if you ask me why there is a lack of competition of phone brands in the US, I have a TED talk to give...

[stackghost]

Are Korean tech companies more toxic than, say, American tech companies?

Doubtful. I can't think of a company that clearly hates its users more than Microsoft or Meta.

I'd say it's the tech industry as a whole that's toxic. And long overdue for a reckoning.

[encom]

I can't really think of a tech company that does not hate its users. Yes of course there's Framework, but I mean large tech companies. It's all glued shut, proprietary, planned obsolescence, AI slop-ified, privacy invasive and over priced. Feel free to add to the list.

Related anecdote: My old washing machine is about to die, and I was discussing this with a co-worker the other day. He told me, with much excitement, about his new washing machine with AI, and a smartphone app where he can program his own washing cycles. I... just don't feel like I belong on the same planet as this person. It's the polar opposite of what I want.

[nickorlow]

Most handset manufacturers are like this, don't think it's specific to samsung