[LG Phone Withdrawal] 'Smartphone Industry Eccentric' Foreign Media Mourns and Criticizes Simultaneously

LG Electronics Decides to Exit Smartphone Business in Board Meeting on 5th
Foreign Media Highlight Consumer Perspective Differences
Concerns Over Overseas Factories in Brazil, Vietnam, and Others

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Foreign media evaluations of LG Electronics, which has branded itself as a 'Geek' in the smartphone industry by showcasing various form factors and product concepts, have been sharply divided. Along with assessments of the brand and products, diverse perspectives such as concerns about job insecurity in countries hosting overseas factories were also addressed.

According to industry sources on the 5th, Input, a US new media outlet under Bustle Digital Group, mentioned rumors of LG Electronics' withdrawal and evaluated, "Strange phones cannot save LG's mobile business." Input stated, "LG's flagship G series was a strong competitor but fell behind with the 'LG G5,'" adding, "Efforts to differentiate phones with the latest rotating wing ('LG Wing') or dual-screen accessories did not significantly change the situation."

Conversely, the smartphone developer community XDA Developers paid tribute, saying, "Although LG did not achieve great financial success in the smartphone field, it made many unforgettable and definite contributions to the smartphone industry." In particular, the LG Wing was cited as one of the most innovative products in smartphone history in 2020.

India's weekly magazine India Today described LG phones with the expression 'Mansu Mugang' (longevity and health) and evaluated, "They pursued a unique and powerful approach but did not gain widespread fame." The Indian Economic Times predicted, "LG Electronics holds a very small market share in India, so the impact of business withdrawal will not be significant."

From the consumer perspective, concerns about software updates and after-sales service (AS) have been raised. India Today noted, "Although it was announced that software updates would be provided as long as parts inventory remains, this is expected to vary by region," pointing out, "This means that even users of the same 'LG Velvet' may not receive software updates simultaneously in India as they do in Europe."

There are also voices worrying about employment succession and factory closures. Brazil's IT specialist magazine TechTudo covered concerns about job insecurity at LG's Taubate factory in S?o Paulo. In Brazil, LG Electronics is the third-largest mobile phone manufacturer after Samsung Electronics and Motorola. It is estimated that about 400 people work at the S?o Paulo home appliance factory. The Taubate factory reportedly experienced frequent leave measures last month, with 70% of employees taking leave. TechTudo also analyzed that Korean companies are following in the footsteps of Japan's Sony.

Regarding overseas factories, LG Electronics is reportedly considering converting factory uses or recycling factory materials.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.