South Korean authorities have launched an investigation into the alleged leak of proprietary display technology from LG Display to Chinese companies, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency on October 13.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Industrial Technology Security Investigation Unit conducted a search and seizure operation at LG Display’s Paju factory on October 2, following a tip-off about possible technology theft. Two employees at the facility are suspected of leaking confidential technical information to Chinese firms and are being investigated for violating the Industrial Technology Protection Act.
During the raid, investigators reportedly found that one suspect had photographed hundreds of pages of internal company documents, suggesting a coordinated attempt to extract sensitive material.
The case reflects a broader pattern of industrial espionage targeting South Korean high-tech industries. Police data show 27 technology theft cases uncovered last year and eight more in the first half of this year—25 of which involved China as the destination for the stolen technology. The figures highlight Beijing’s particular interest in South Korea’s advanced industrial know-how.
The incident has heightened concerns in Seoul over the protection of strategic technologies, especially in the display sector, where South Korea remains a global leader. LG Display, one of the world’s top producers of LCD and OLED panels, could face serious competitive risks if its proprietary technologies are compromised.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the leak and whether additional individuals or companies were involved in the alleged transfer of technology.
Source: Yonhap News Agency, October 13, 2025
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