Korean media: "Never let the LCD nightmare repeat," South Korea intensifies efforts to safeguard its OLED leadership!
On November 6, South Korean media outlet *Herald Economic* published an article stating that Chinese display manufacturers, long dominant in the LCD market, are now shifting their focus toward the OLED market currently led by South Korea. To consolidate its market position, South Korean firms are concentrating investments on high-value products such as foldable, IT, and automotive OLEDs, as well as next-generation manufacturing processes.
According to industry sources, China is simultaneously advancing multiple expansions of its OLED production lines. Market research firm Omdia analysis indicates that the current global OLED capacity ratio between South Korea and China stands at approximately 7:3, with projections showing it will narrow to 6:4 by 2031. While South Korea is expected to maintain overall market leadership in OLED, analysts predict China could surpass South Korea in the rapidly growing IT OLED segment.
Specifically, it is forecast that by 2028, the share of 8.6-generation OLED panels in mobile devices and PCs will shift, with China capturing 70% of the market and South Korea holding 30%. Chinese panel makers currently account for about 80% of global LCD production capacity and are leveraging cash flows from their LCD operations to aggressively invest in OLED technology.
In fact, BOE began mass production of 8.6-generation OLED panels at its Chengdu B16 plant in June this year. The initial product was a 14-inch 2.8K laptop panel. Visionox and CSOT are also actively investing in eighth-generation OLED production facilities. According to Counterpoint Research, investment in 8.6-generation IT OLED panels accounts for 61% of total OLED capital expenditure.
Domestic South Korean companies are focusing on high-value markets and advanced manufacturing technologies, rather than engaging in direct competition with China on volume output. Samsung Display launched its 8.6-generation IT OLED production line in July, with an investment of 4.1 trillion KRW. The line uses larger substrate sizes, improving production efficiency for laptop and tablet panels. The A7 new facility in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, which had been idle for five years, has resumed operations. The company has designated foldable OLED as the first mass-production target for the A7 plant, while retaining the potential for future IT OLED production.
LG Display holds a leading position in tandem OLED technology and processes that eliminate the need for fine metal masks (FMM). The company is expanding its infrastructure and capabilities for next-generation OLED technologies. It plans to begin mass production this year of third-generation automotive-grade tandem OLEDs, featuring higher brightness and longer lifespan, with future expansion into IT product applications anticipated.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881094136607820/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.