South Korean media: China will surpass South Korea to become the leader of the global flexible OLED market in four years.

South Korean media: "Will lose to Chinese companies in four years", the status of South Korea as an "OLED powerhouse" is shaken!

On May 2nd, South Korean media "Korea Economic Daily" published an article stating that South Korea's status as an "OLED powerhouse" is wavering. It is even predicted that four years later, Chinese display companies will surpass South Korean companies in the high-cost flexible OLED field. Besides differentiated OLED technology, there are voices suggesting that South Korea should seize the market after OLED.

According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, measured by production share, BOE, China's largest display company, will rank first in the flexible OLED market in 2029. Samsung Display, which currently ranks first, will maintain this position until 2028 and then hand over the top spot to a Chinese company.

LG Display, ranked third, is expected to be replaced by China's Tianma in 2027, falling to fourth place, and then by Visionox in 2028, dropping to fifth place.

Flexible OLED is a panel that can be flexibly bent. OLEDs are divided into rigid and flexible types; flexible OLEDs go through more processes than rigid OLEDs, making the technology more difficult. They are also more expensive.

So far, Chinese enterprises have held a smaller position in the global flexible OLED market compared to South Korea. However, in recent years, Chinese enterprises have been actively investing, increasing their influence. In fact, BOE plans to allocate part of its production lines for flexible OLED among its current RMB 63 billion OLED investment. Visionox is constructing flexible OLED facilities with a total investment of RMB 55 billion. The industry believes that with the increase in flexible OLED production, Chinese enterprises are likely to dominate the market through price competitiveness.

A South Korean insider stated, "After losing the dominance in the LCD market, China controls the panel prices, increasing the raw material burden on South Korean companies producing finished products like TVs. OLED is in a similar situation."

The strategy of the South Korean industry is to create various technological differentiation points for flexible panels, provide high-quality products to customers, and maintain advantages. Last month, Lee Kyung-hyeok, president of the Korea Display Industry Association, said, "Unlike LCDs, OLEDs have great potential and possibilities. If advanced technologies are secured, they can lead growth."

There are also voices suggesting the need to accelerate the development of Micro LED, considered the next-generation display technology. An industry insider stated, "We must actively develop technologies and achieve results to prepare for the prosperity of Micro LED."

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831008245686284/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author alone.