“It is very concerning that Chinese corporations are narrowing the technology gap, but there is clearly still a difference in advanced technological capabilities. In response to the increasing uncertainties, such as tariffs, since President Trump took office, we will work together with the government.”
Lee Cheong, president of Samsung Display, met with reporters on the 14th at the Lotte Hotel in Jamsil, Songpa District, Seoul, ahead of the '2025 regular meeting of the Korea Display Industry Association' and said this. He took office as the 10th president of the Korea Display Industry Association, succeeding Choi Joo-seon, president of Samsung SDI, through a board meeting held prior to the regular meeting. The term of office for the president is three years, but he will serve as president for two years after taking over the position from Choi.
He stated that the technology gap with Chinese corporations, which are rapidly catching up with South Korean display companies, must be widened. He noted, “Many are worried that China's fierce pursuit of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) market may lead to a repeat of the liquid crystal display (LCD) path,” and added, “It is a very concerning aspect, and it is important how we can reopen the technology gap.”
Chinese display corporations are emerging not only in the large OLED market but also in the small and medium-sized OLED market, which had been dominated by domestic companies. According to the market research firm TrendForce, last year, Samsung Display's shipments in the global smartphone panel market reached 378 million units, ranking second after BOE. With Apple expected to diversify its suppliers, Samsung Display's shipments this year are projected to decline by 3.5% from last year to 365 million units.
Regarding the state of the display industry, he predicted that the penetration of OLED panels in laptops and vehicles would gradually expand. He mentioned, “The display market size is likely to show limited growth due to market saturation in the mobile sector,” but added, “However, sectors like laptops and vehicles are just beginning to grow, and I see great potential.” He further stated, “As on-device AI and other technologies expand, not only will the penetration of OLED in the existing market accelerate, but applications in foldable, rollable, transparent, mixed reality (XR), and mobility will lead to a transformation of the industry unlike anything seen before.”
He explained that he would respond to external uncertainties, such as tariffs, in cooperation with the government. He indicated, “If forward industries like TV and mobile are affected, the display industry cannot remain unscathed” and said, “We will closely monitor the situation and work together with the government and the industry to find good alternatives.” The Korea Display Industry Association plans to expand its industry policy department, which handles trade tasks within the association, with staffing of trade specialists to enhance its trade response system against President Trump's second administration.
Chung Cheol-dong, president of LG Display, who attended the regular meeting that day, stated, “We will work together to ensure that the display industry secures new growth engines through the expansion of AI, mobility, and virtual reality (VR),” and added, “While the uncertainty of the macroeconomic environment is increasing and we are experiencing difficult times due to economic recession, we will demonstrate an enhanced competitiveness.”