Samsung RF23J9011SR touch panel/ice flap help

Hi all

Had this Samsung french door refrigerator RF23J9011SR for some time but NEVER used the ice maker. Now I see that the flap is stuck in the open position; probably for years. Does anyone have any ideas how to remove the front touch panel without marring the stainless surface? Or figuring out why the ice chute flap is even in the open position or can be reset without taking out the panel.

Any advice would be great appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

So… I know that you’re supposed to pull out from the bottom with some amount of force, but that didn’t work for me…probably need to eat more wheaties. However, I was able to release the left side by wedging in a putty knife. The right side doesn’t have any play and I’m still unable to release this thing.