"The foldable panels in the Galaxy Z Fold/Flip 8 series are a core area where Samsung Display maintains a significant technological edge. Our recent announcement of large-scale investments in the Chungcheong region will proceed without any issues as planned."
Lee Cheong, CEO of Samsung Display, expressed strong confidence in the company's panel innovation capabilities and regional investment commitments during a press conference at the '2026 Korea Display Industry Exhibition' held at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, on July 22.
Ahead of the 'Galaxy Unpacked 2026' event taking place in London, Lee commented on the competitive strength of the new foldable phone's display, stating, "If I were not confident, I wouldn't be launching the product. We are overwhelmingly ahead of competitors in quality, durability, and overall display characteristics, ensuring we maintain our market dominance."
Addressing recent concerns regarding the three major mega projects in the Chungcheong region, Lee dismissed any doubts, stating, "We are currently collaborating with local governments to prepare thoroughly. As promised to the public, we will proceed without delay."
The 2026 Korea Display Industry Exhibition, which opened on this day, showcased a shift in the display industry from merely providing screens to embracing intelligent interfaces that incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation mobility.
Upon entering the Samsung Display exhibition, the standout feature was the 'Big Hole' display, which redefines future vehicle interiors. It features an 80mm diameter hole in the center, seamlessly integrating gear mechanisms and air conditioning vents with digital screens and physical components.
A vertically expanding slider OLED vividly illustrated the future of autonomous driving, guided by an AI assistant.
Across from Samsung's exhibit, LG Display's booth, themed 'Window of Communication,' was filled with innovations in form factors that spanned everyday life and various industries. Notably, the humanoid plastic OLED (P-OLED), unveiled for the first time in Korea, showcased its impressive durability, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -30 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, proving its value as a key component in the industrial robot ecosystem.
The '27-inch 5K OLED' experience zone, which received the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award, and the 'Gaming OLED' zone, achieving the world's highest refresh rate of 540Hz, attracted large crowds of experts and visitors.
Industry analysts believe that the next-generation display market will not only expand quantitatively but will also rely on high-profit OLED technologies centered around AI and automotive applications. While global market growth is slowing, demand for premium displays is increasing as AI devices proliferate and the transition to future vehicles accelerates.
LG Display is also preparing to shift its business structure towards OLED and target the premium market in response to these market changes.
Jeong Cheol-dong, CEO of LG Display, emphasized, "We are preparing to expand our tandem OLED technology, known for its longevity and performance, beyond TVs and automotive applications to include smartphones and other mobile devices. We are also developing technologies related to smart glass and various application solutions."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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