Ahead of the largest consumer electronics exhibition in Europe, 'IFA 2025', which will be held in Berlin, Germany, from September, Lintner, CEO of IFA, said at a press conference held on the 26th at COEX in Gangnam, Seoul, that "the subscription-based electronics business being expanded by Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics in the Korean market is expected to spread in Europe as well," adding that "this will be a 'win-win' for both consumers and corporations."
IFA is considered one of the top three electronics and IT exhibitions in the world, along with the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the U.S. and the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Spain. This year's IFA will be held from September 5 to 9 (local time) in Berlin, Germany, under the theme 'Imagining the Future.'
Lintner, CEO, highlighted the notable business of subscription services in the Korean market, stating that "Korea is a key hub for technological innovation." LG Electronics has actively promoted the subscription business since it began rental services for water purifiers in 2009, and Samsung Electronics also entered the business in December last year. Recently, LOTTE HIMART has also expanded into this arena. He added, "Germany and Europe are expected to embrace subscription businesses within a few months."
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are accelerating their profitability through artificial intelligence (AI) and subscription electronics businesses. In the first quarter of this year, LG Electronics' subscription business revenue recorded 501 billion won, a 45% increase compared to the same period last year, and is expected to surpass 2 trillion won annually. Samsung Electronics has also been operating the AI subscription club service since the end of last year.
Lintner, CEO, emphasized the rebranding of this year's IFA event. The theme for IFA 2025, which marks its 100th anniversary this year, has been set as 'Innovation for All.' In this regard, Lintner noted that "from IFA 2023 onward, the philosophy and direction of the exhibition have been completely redefined to be user-centric," adding that "IFA is now evolving into a platform that encompasses technology, experience, content, and community."
He particularly identified Korea as a 'strategic hub for technological innovation.' Lintner, CEO, remarked that "Korean corporations participating in IFA have always been those who rewrite the standards of the industry. Korea is leading innovation in almost all core areas, including AI, smart home, digital health, and mobility," and stated that "IFA will also expand its cooperation with Korea."
He stated, "This year, global semiconductor corporations such as NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and AMD are scheduled to participate in IFA through keynotes and panels." He added, "Attracting major corporations feels like a long marathon," and said, "We are trying to broaden the target audience for the show by facilitating IT corporations’ participation in various ways."
Lintner, CEO, stated, "After considering how to ensure that people can feel technological changes, I believe the first puzzle is 'imagining the future'," adding that "AI, quantum computing, and sustainability will become major trends."
Last year, 1,804 corporations from 44 countries participated in IFA. In particular, media reach in Korea increased by 281% compared to the previous year, indicating a rise in global media influence. This year, a significant number of representative Korean corporations from various fields, including AI, smart home, electronics, communication, gaming, digital health, and mobility, are expected to participate and enhance their presence on the global stage.