South Korea Pressures Apple into First Ever Recall of 1st Gen iPod Nano

Following a series of reports of alleged battery malfunctions, South Korea has pressured Apple into a recall of it’s first-generation iPod Nano. This marks the first time that Apple has ever had to issue a recall for the iPod Nano, a fact that had one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and software manufacturers initially reluctant to do so.

According to The Korea Herald, South Korea’s government first asked Apple to issue the recall on June 25, citing consumer concerns over it’s safety. To date, there have been four cases of iPod Nano batteries overheating or malfunctioning in South Korea since December 2008. Apple Korea apparently refused the initial request, but has since agreed to replace the batteries and shells of its first-generation iPod Nano with new ones.

“Customers who are concerned about possible overheating of the battery can get it exchanged,” said Park In-kyu, an official with the Korea Agency for Technology & Standards. “If Apple had delayed recalls, its image would have suffered a blow.”

The reversal in it’s position came as Apple soon plans to launch the iPhone for the first time in South Korea.