In a significant milestone for global display technology leadership, Samsung Display Chief Technology Officer Lee Chang-hee has been appointed as the first South Korean chair of the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) display standards committee. This landmark achievement positions Korea at the forefront of international standardization efforts for cutting-edge display technologies.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources announced that Lee Chang-hee will assume leadership of IEC Technical Committee 110 (TC 110) starting October 2026, serving a six-year term. In this pivotal role, he will oversee and shape global standards for a wide array of advanced display innovations, including crucial organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, as well as emerging foldable and flexible display technologies.
Expressing his commitment to this new global role, Lee stated, “As chair, I will work closely with Japan, the secretariat country, and experts from all member countries to accelerate international standardization. My focus will be on coordinating stakeholders to reach broad consensus and ensure fair and efficient progress in developing display standards.”
Lee’s extensive experience in display standardization is well-established. During the critical early commercialization phase of OLED technology, he was instrumental in defining core standards, encompassing essential terminology and rigorous testing methods. His pioneering efforts directly led to Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) being officially recognized and adopted as the standard IEC term, solidifying its industry-wide acceptance.
This prestigious appointment significantly elevates Korea’s standing, transforming it from a mere technical contributor into a formidable global leader in display standard-setting. The ministry emphasized that early influence in establishing these critical standards directly translates into significant market advantage. While Korean experts have historically played key roles in working-level efforts within TC 110, Lee Chang-hee’s new position marks the first time an individual from the nation will set the overarching agenda and facilitate consensus among influential member states, including the US, China, and Japan, further cementing Korea’s influence in global display technology.
Lee Chang-hee is a distinguished veteran in both OLED development and display standardization, boasting over two decades of experience at the crucial intersection of advanced technology and strategic policy. He currently holds the esteemed position of CTO at Samsung Display and previously led its cutting-edge Display Research Center. His impressive background also includes significant academic contributions at world-renowned institutions like Stanford University and Seoul National University.
His long-standing commitment to international display standards is evident; Lee has been deeply involved in IEC activities since 2002. He was notably instrumental in establishing the dedicated working group for OLED standardization within TC 110, pioneering its efforts as the inaugural convenor. Furthermore, the IEC highlighted his continued strategic input as a valued member of the IEC Market Strategy Board.
Kim Dae-ja, President of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), affirmed that this significant appointment will unequivocally help cement Korea’s strategic position as a global leader in the development of next-generation display standards.
Kim further emphasized KATS’s dedication, stating, “KATS will actively support domestic companies’ participation in international standardization efforts, leveraging this new chairmanship to further strengthen Korea’s influence in the global display industry.”
