SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Hansol Chemical, a South Korean specialty chemicals and materials manufacturer, announced on Monday that it has filed a complaint with Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) against Chinese electronics giant TCL over alleged misleading advertising of its latest television models.
Hansol accuses TCL, China’s leading TV manufacturer, of inaccurately labeling its liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs as “QD TVs,” despite the absence of quantum-dot (QD) materials that enhance image quality. Quantum-dot technology is known for delivering vibrant colors and a wider color range, positioning QD-incorporated LCDs—often branded as “QLED TVs”—as premium alongside OLED TVs. Samsung and LG currently lead the market for these advanced display types, with TCL trailing as the third-largest manufacturer.
Hansol, a significant supplier to both Samsung and LG, filed the formal complaint last week, asserting that TCL’s 65-inch C655, 75-inch C655 Pro, and 65-inch C755 models sold in South Korea do not contain the crucial quantum-dot components, such as indium or cadmium, required for true QD technology.
“Approximately 80 percent of all TVs sold worldwide are LCD TVs, but only a select few premium models are equipped with costly QD materials,” a Hansol representative stated. “Incorrectly branding standard LCD TVs as ‘QD TVs’ undermines consumer trust in the entire QLED market.”
TCL has reportedly denied Hansol’s claims, stating that it uses QD films with cadmium in the disputed models.
The FTC is expected to initiate an investigation into Hansol’s allegations. Should TCL be found in violation, it could face corrective measures, fines, or other penalties depending on the outcome.
Quantum dots, which are nanoscale semiconductor crystals, enhance display color performance. Their importance was recognised when the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three scientists for their pioneering work on these nanoparticles.
