Institutional investors in Europe and the US have asked Samsung to explain the occupational cancer furore that has engulfed the company. The cancers have been linked to toxic chemicals used at Samsung semiconductor plants in South Korea. An online report from Hankyoreh 21 says the publication has obtained a letter issued by eight foreign investors including the All Pensions Group (APG) of the Netherlands, sent to Samsung Electronics President Choi Ji-seong on 21 May 2010. APG initially proposed a joint inquiry into the allegations about Samsung on 30 April, noting: “Twenty-three former employees of Samsung Electronics have fallen ill with leukaemia through April 22, and they have raised questions about occupational safety at Samsung Electronics plants.” An APG official said other investors had already requested Samsung explain the occupational cancer allegations.
