Industry ministry honors 36 leaders to bolster K-display competitiveness

The industry ministry on Thursday honored 36 individuals for their contributions to the national display sector, aiming to secure an irreplaceable technological edge amid intensifying global competition. The awards ranged from the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit to presidential commendations.

Lee Ki-seung, chief executive of Seking Hi-Tech, received the Silver Tower Order for significantly raising the domestic sourcing rate of materials, parts and equipment. Yoon Ji-hwan, a vice president at Samsung Display, was awarded a presidential citation for leading the world-first development of QD-OLED technology.

Two executives received prime ministerial citations for their distinct roles in expanding exports and achieving equipment independence. Hwang Sang-geun, a senior managing director at LG Display, was recognized for spearheading premium market leadership through global sales expansion, while Lee Jae-hyuk, chief executive of ELP, was honored for dedicating 34 years to localizing inspection equipment.

The ceremony, held at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul, marked the 17th annual Display Day and drew approximately 300 attendees from government, industry and academia.

Lee Min-woo, head of the industry growth office at the ministry, attributed the sector's ability to maintain its global top position to the silent dedication of workers on the front lines. "The government will also provide full support for technological innovation, new market creation and ecosystem strengthening to achieve an irreplaceable super-gap," he said.

Looking toward 2040, the ministry plans to strategically identify and support future living display technologies through expert roundtables and targeted research and development initiatives. The roadmap focuses on five candidate technology groups: digital life, mobility, human interface, public media, and sustainability.