South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into Samsung after two workers at the tech giant's Giheung plant, located about 25 miles south of Seoul, were exposed to radiation. 

According to CNBC, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission reported on Wednesday, May 29, that the workers, who are now hospitalized, displayed abnormal symptoms of radiation exposure in their fingers. 

Despite the concerning symptoms, initial blood tests for the affected workers returned normal results. 

In response to the incident, the authorities have already suspended the use of the machine believed to be responsible, while the exact cause of the radiation exposure remains under investigation. 

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has stated that further actions will be taken if any breaches of safety regulations are discovered.

Samsung has yet to comment on the situation. 

READ MORE: Samsung's HBM Chips Face Setbacks in Nvidia's AI Processors Due to Heat Issues

Samsung Chip Plant

 Samsung's chip manufacturing plants, also known as semiconductor fabrication plants or fabs, typically do not generate significant radiation levels as part of their standard operations. 

However, certain specialized processes and equipment in these facilities can involve materials or technologies that produce radiation. Ion implanters, advanced lithography techniques, and radioactive sources are some examples.

Though less common, it is possible that residual contamination from previous processes or materials could pose a radiation risk. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission has strict protocols to prevent this.

The ongoing investigation at Samsung's Giheung plant would need to determine the exact cause of the radiation exposure incident. 

READ NEXT: China Pushes for More Samsung Investment Amid US-China Chip Tension