When it comes to emerging technologies, influence isn’t only measured by innovation—it’s also defined by who sets the standards. In the global display industry, that influence is now shifting.
Lee Chang-hee, Chief Technology Officer of Samsung Display, has been appointed as chair of the display standards committee under the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), marking the first time a South Korean has held the role.
A Strategic Role in Global Technology Standards
Lee will lead IEC Technical Committee 110 (TC 110) beginning October 2026, serving a six-year term overseeing international standards for advanced display technologies. These include organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels, as well as next-generation innovations such as foldable and flexible displays.
The role places Lee at the center of global decision-making, where technical alignment across countries directly influences product development, interoperability, and market direction.
As chair, he will coordinate with international stakeholders—including experts from the United States, China, and Japan—to drive consensus and accelerate the development of unified standards.
From Contributor to Standard-Setter
The appointment represents a broader shift for South Korea—from being a strong technical contributor to becoming a standard-setting leader in the display sector.
Historically, Korean experts have played key roles at the working level within TC 110. However, this is the first time the country will take the lead in shaping the committee’s overall agenda and direction.
This transition is significant. In industries like display technology, early influence in standardization can translate into long-term competitive advantage, particularly as global adoption of new formats accelerates.
Deep Experience in OLED and Display Innovation
Lee brings more than two decades of experience spanning both technology development and standardization.
During the early commercialization phase of OLED, he played a pivotal role in defining foundational standards—including terminology and testing methodologies. His contributions helped formalize “OLED” as an official term within IEC standards, shaping how the technology is defined and adopted globally.
At Samsung Display, he has led research and innovation initiatives, including his previous role heading the company’s Display Research Center. His experience also extends into academia, with roles at Stanford University and Seoul National University.
Longstanding Engagement with Global Standards Bodies
Lee’s involvement with the IEC dates back to 2002, where he contributed to multiple initiatives within the organization. He was instrumental in establishing the working group dedicated to OLED standardization within TC 110 and served as its first convenor.
He currently also serves on the IEC Market Strategy Board, further reinforcing his influence in shaping global technology priorities.
Strengthening Korea’s Position in Next-Gen Displays
According to Kim Dae-ja, President of the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, Lee’s appointment is expected to strengthen Korea’s leadership in next-generation display technologies.
The agency plans to support greater participation from domestic companies in global standardization efforts—an important step as competition intensifies across advanced display segments.
A Critical Moment for the Display Industry
As demand grows for innovative display formats—from foldables to immersive screens—standardization is becoming increasingly important. It ensures compatibility, accelerates adoption, and creates a level playing field for global manufacturers.
With Lee at the helm of TC 110, the industry enters a phase where both technological leadership and standard-setting influence will shape the next generation of display innovation.