The Samsung ‘Multipurpose 5S Refrigerator’ (model SR-215GQ, manufactured in 1985) (Image courtesy of Samsung Electronics)
SEOUL, Dec. 25 (Korea Bizwire) – A Samsung multipurpose refrigerator, which had been a part of a family’s life for nearly 40 years, has recently made its way back to Samsung Electronics, becoming a part of the company’s history.
On December 24, Samsung Electronics announced that Lee Sook-Hee had donated the Samsung ‘Multipurpose 5S Refrigerator’ (model SR-215GQ, manufactured in 1985) to the Samsung Innovation Museum, the electronic industry museum of Samsung.
Lee shared that the refrigerator was originally purchased by her parents as a wedding gift in 1986. “It was one of only two items, alongside a wardrobe, my parents acquired when they started their married life in a tiny one-room apartment. Despite financial constraints, they considered a refrigerator essential for survival,” Lee remarked.
This refrigerator, known for its internal temperature control feature that could convert the freezer to a refrigerator and turn off the fridge section when needed to save energy, was a testament to the innovative design of the era.
Though manufactured in 1985, the ‘Multipurpose 5S Refrigerator’ has similarities to the modern ‘Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator.’ Both feature customizable designs, multi-pantry options, and sections for tailored food storage to maintain freshness.
The refrigerator has been used for almost 40 years by three generations of Lee’s family without significant issues. Lee estimates that even if the refrigerator door was opened only three times a day since 1986, it would have been opened over 40,000 times.
Lee mentioned, “I wanted to donate it to a place that would appreciate its value, as it has been with our family across three generations.” She also shared that a film production company had expressed interest in purchasing it as a prop, but she felt donating it would be more meaningful to preserve family memories.
A newspaper ad from the 1980s introducing the Samsung Multipurpose 5S Refrigerator. (Image provided by Samsung Electronics)
Lee looks forward to visiting the Samsung Innovation Museum with her children, where they will see the refrigerator that was a part of their family history. “It’s wonderful that this refrigerator, which has been used since my parents’ generation, will now have a meaningful purpose for many more people,” she said.
Seo Kook-jeong, a technical consultant at Samsung Electronics who joined the company in 1991 and continues to work on refrigerator technology development, expressed pride in seeing the evolution of Samsung’s products.
“Comparing past and present refrigerators, I feel proud of how much our products have advanced. We will continue to strive to develop refrigerators that maintain the highest freshness of ingredients while being environmentally conscious,” he stated.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
