South Korea Secures Chairmanship of International Display Standards Committee

In a landmark achievement for South Korea, Lee Chang-hee, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Samsung Display, has been elected as the next chair of the International Electrotechnical Commission's (IEC) Technical Committee 110 (TC 110), which oversees international standards for next-generation display technologies. This announcement was made by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's National Institute of Technology and Standards on April 20, 2026.

TC 110 is a key organization responsible for setting international standards for technologies such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) and flexible displays. The committee comprises major technology-leading countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, and the United States, all of which are engaged in a competitive race to establish standards that will shape the future of the display industry.

This election marks the first time South Korea has assumed the role of chair, a position that has been held by China for the past nine years, during which it expanded its influence in international standardization and market reach. Until now, South Korea has led seven out of nine working groups within TC 110, but this is the first time it will oversee the entire committee.

Lee's election is seen as a recognition of his extensive contributions to display technology development and standardization over the past two decades. He emerged victorious after competing against a candidate from China, highlighting the growing recognition of South Korea's capabilities in the display technology sector. Lee will officially take office in October 2026, and his term will last for six years.

Kim Dae-ja, the head of the National Institute of Technology and Standards, expressed optimism about this development, stating, "This chairmanship will solidify South Korea's position as a global leader in future display standard development. We will actively support our companies' international standardization efforts as well."

The competitive dynamics within TC 110 are expected to shift with Lee's leadership, as South Korea aims to leverage this opportunity to strengthen its position in the global display market. The committee's primary focus includes establishing standards that will facilitate the adoption of advanced technologies across various applications, significantly impacting industries such as consumer electronics and automotive.

As the global demand for high-quality displays continues to rise, the importance of establishing comprehensive and effective standards becomes increasingly evident. With Lee at the helm, South Korea is positioned to play a central role in shaping these standards, ensuring that its technological advancements are recognized and integrated into international practices.

The election of Lee Chang-hee is not just a victory for Samsung Display but also a strategic win for South Korea's broader technology sector. It reflects the country's commitment to innovation and leadership in the rapidly advancing field of display technologies.

In addition to his role in standardization, Lee's expertise will be invaluable in fostering collaboration among member countries, which is necessary for addressing the challenges posed by the fast-evolving technology environment. The upcoming years will be instrumental as TC 110 works to establish guidelines that can accommodate new innovations and market demands.

Industry experts believe that Lee's leadership will help facilitate more effective communication and cooperation among nations involved in display technology development. This collaboration is seen as key to achieving consensus on standards that can support the global market's needs.

As South Korea prepares to take on this new responsibility, the government and industry stakeholders are expressing confidence that this leadership position will benefit local companies and contribute positively to global technological advancements.

The success of Lee's tenure will depend on his ability to navigate the complex interplay of international interests and technological advancements. His experience and proven track record in the display sector will be instrumental in guiding TC 110's initiatives over the next six years.

In a world where technology is advancing at an unparalleled pace, the establishment of effective and forward-thinking standards is more important than ever. With Lee Chang-hee leading TC 110, South Korea is set to make a lasting impact on the future of display technology.

As the international community looks forward to the developments that will emerge from this new leadership, the upcoming TC 110 meetings and the strategic decisions that will shape the future of display technologies globally.

Lee's election signifies a new chapter for South Korea in the international display technology arena, and the implications of this leadership role will echo across industries and borders.

With the first meeting scheduled for late 2026, the global display industry is eager to see how South Korea will leverage this opportunity to influence international standards and practices.