[THE INVESTOR]  Samsung Electronics said on Dec. 27 that it would soon release a software update that would brick the fire-prone Galaxy Note 7, preventing it from charging.

Samsung currently restricts the Note 7 from charging beyond 60 percent in Korea, while it has released the software update that prevents the handset from charging in global markets including the US and Europe. 

“Samsung is considering to push the software update to the Note 7 in Korea that can limit the battery charge of the device as the exchange rate has exceeded 90 percent here,” a spokesperson from Samsung said.

The tech giant will also extend the exchange program for the mobile device until the end of January as some of the Note 7 users are still using the faulty smartphone, according to sources.

Samsung has already made the decision with its long-time partner and Korea’s largest mobile carrier SK Telecom while other mobile carriers, such as KT and LG Uplus, are expected to follow suit.

Of around 950,000 Note 7 units sold in Korea, some 100,000 Note 7 devices have not yet been returned, according to Samsung.

The smartphone maker launched the exchange program right after it ceased the sales of the Note 7 on Oct. 13.

As the exchange rate for the smartphone had fallen behind schedule with some users refusing to return their Note 7, Samsung had come up with a series of reward programs such offering credits that can be used for the purchase of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 next year.

Samsung said the rewards given to the participants of the exchange program will not be offered after the end of December.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)