SEOUL, April 22 (AJP) - Sales of televisions equipped with Korean-made OLED (organic light-emitting diode) panels are rapidly gaining ground in China’s premium TV market, reflecting a notable shift in consumer preferences and industry momentum.
According to market research firm Omdia, OLED panels are projected to account for 78.3 percent of premium televisions priced above $2,500 in China this year. That figure marks a sharp increase from 47.2 percent in 2024, suggesting a growing appetite for high-end display technology despite the segment’s relatively modest size.
Over the same period, the market share of LCD TVs in the premium bracket is expected to fall from 52.8 percent to 21.7 percent.
China’s high-end television market remains relatively small, with annual sales estimated at between 200 billion and 300 billion won ($145 million to $220 million). Most Chinese consumers continue to favor more affordable options, with products under 10,000 yuan (roughly 2 million won, or $1,380) eligible for government subsidies that can cover up to 20 percent of the retail price, capped at 2,000 yuan.
Still, analysts say OLED’s rising dominance in the premium category points to a broader trend: OLED is increasingly seen as the display of choice, even in China.
The shift could provide a critical boost for South Korea’s LG Display, which supplies more than 80 percent of the world’s large OLED TV panels. The company is expected to return to profitability in the first half of this year, reversing two consecutive years of losses that each exceeded 2 trillion won.
LG Display’s panels are used not only by its affiliate LG Electronics but also by competitors such as Samsung Electronics and Sony.
Jung Cheol-dong, who was appointed chief executive in December 2023, has led a strategic overhaul aimed at streamlining the company’s large OLED operations and expanding its capabilities in small- and medium-sized displays.
Analysts forecast that LG Display could post operating profits of around 500 billion won this year, marking its first profitable year since 2021.
reporter
Candice Kim
candicekim1121@ajupress.com
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