Lee Jae-yong pays a visit to quantum-dot display plant

Samsung Electronics Vice Chair Lee Jae-yong examines the company’s display factory in Asan, South Chungcheong, on Thursday. [SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS]

Samsung Electronics Vice Chair Lee Jae-yong said Thursday the company should not slow down its business regardless of the ongoing pandemic at the display factory in Asan, South Chungcheong.

In his fourth visit to a Samsung factory this year, Lee offered encouragement to workers at the site and examined the production line for display panels.

According to Samsung, the visit was intended to boost morale as the worldwide spread of the coronavirus has closed factories and generated deep economic uncertainty. Lee urged staff to remain firm and resolute.

“I understand we are facing many unexpected difficulties, but this should not stop us for one second,” Lee told workers. “Old practices should be surpassed with caution and speed. We need to be setting our sight beyond the crisis. Let’s continue on with pushing innovation.”

The Asan plant produces Samsung’s quantum-dot (QD) displays, composed of nano-sized crystals made of semiconductor materials that absorb and emit light. The technology is capable of a wider range of color more precisely, and allows for increased applications including foldable screens.

QD display is a technology Samsung is counting on to lead the next-generation TV market. Korean panel makers have been suffering from a drop in panel prices, especially LCD, due to oversupply from Chinese manufacturers.

Last October, Lee made an announcement at the same factory that the company would invest 13.1 trillion won ($10.3 billion) through 2025 to develop QD displays.

BY SONG KYOUNG-SON [song.kyoungson@joongang.co.kr]