LG Electronics said on Oct. 19 it released a new product that combines AI technology with a subscription service, the "LG Dios AI Objet Collection Kimchi TokTok" (model Z495). The product is the first kimchi refrigerator to apply an "AI personalized storage" feature.
With this feature, when a user scans the barcode of packaged kimchi with the LG ThinQ app, it automatically sets the optimal storage temperature based on the kimchi type and manufacturer information. Major brands currently supported include Bibigo, Jongga, and Pulmuone.
AI also analyzes customers' usage patterns to automatically adjust defrosting when the refrigerator door is frequently opened, reducing cold-air loss and maintaining the optimal temperature. Reflecting consumer habits of storing various ingredients beyond kimchi, LG Electronics applied the industry's first "multi-purpose partition" to the upper compartment of the refrigerator. This allows the left and right sides of the upper compartment to be set separately to kimchi, refrigeration, or freezing.
A "multi-purpose storage mode" has also been newly added. When customers select a desired item from 37 food categories such as ▲ beverages ▲ alcohol ▲ fruit ▲ vegetables in the app, AI automatically sets the appropriate temperature. LG Electronics plans to continue expanding the list of storable items through future upgrades.
Hygiene features were also enhanced. The new "Pure Fresh Filter," which is twice as large as the previous version, improves deodorization performance, and subscription customers receive regular care services such as filter replacement, cooling fan cleaning, and product inspections.
The product features an industry-high 18 cold-air outlets and a system that circulates cold air 240 times a day. The shipment price is 4.05 million won, and the monthly fee is 78,900 won for a six-year subscription. As an energy efficiency grade 1 product, buyers can receive up to 300,000 won in rebates during the government's "Top Efficiency Home Appliances Rebate Program."
Baek Seung-tae, executive vice president of the Kitchen Solutions Business Unit at LG Electronics, said, "With AI and subscriptions, we preserved the taste of kimchi and improved management convenience," adding, "We will innovate customers' culinary experiences with customized storage technology for diverse ingredients."