An LG Electronics representative conducts an AI Home training session for senior consumers. (Image provided by LG Electronics)
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — As South Korea’s population rapidly ages, LG Electronics is ramping up its efforts to capture the growing senior consumer market through customized products and accessible services, from simplified televisions to tailored AI home training programs.
The company announced Wednesday that it will host AI Home usage workshops for seniors through November in partnership with the National Information Society Agency (NIA). The sessions, held at 22 LG Best Shop stores nationwide, aim to help older adults connect and operate smart appliances through LG ThinQ, the company’s AI platform.
Participants learn how to use voice commands to control air conditioners, receive alerts on refrigerator expiration dates, or get washing cycle notifications—skills that can make smart home devices more approachable for first-time users.
According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, South Koreans aged 65 and older surpassed 10 million last year, accounting for about 20 percent of the total population.
A promotional image of LG Electronics Inc.’s world premiere event for CES 2025 to take place in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, 2025, provided by the company. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
In response to this demographic shift, LG introduced the “LG Easy TV” on September 29 — a model designed specifically for seniors. The TV simplifies the home interface to essential functions and includes “LG Buddy,” a collaboration with KakaoTalk, offering senior care–focused features.
LG Electronics announced on December 29 that it plans to more than double the scope of its “Easy Appliance Project” next year. (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
The remote control’s button size has been enlarged by 27 percent, and an emergency “Help” button lets users instantly send assistance requests to family members.
“LG’s research labs are studying senior lifestyles to reflect their needs across our full product lineup,” said Baek Sun-pil, head of TV product planning at LG Electronics. “We plan to expand senior-friendly designs from televisions to mobile devices and laptops.”
LG expects strong demand not only from older consumers but also from their adult children, who often purchase easier-to-use devices for their parents. “We anticipate that half of Easy TV buyers will be family members purchasing for seniors,” Baek added.
Beyond product design, LG has overhauled its customer service system to improve accessibility. Seniors calling the company’s helpline now receive voice prompts slowed to 80 percent of the standard speed, and text options in the visual ARS (automated response system) have been enlarged 1.7 times for better readability.
Dedicated senior service consultants are also trained to use clearer, more relatable language — asking, for instance, “Is your air conditioner standing or wall-mounted?” instead of using technical terms like “stand-type.”
The photo shows visitors viewing media art related to the “LG AI Home” solution, which leverages generative AI to enhance customers’ lives. (Image courtesy of LG Electronics)
Since implementing these accessibility measures, LG reported that senior customer consultations have more than tripled, rising from 10 percent of total calls before the change to 34 percent as of last month.
With its senior-focused strategy gaining traction, LG is positioning itself at the forefront of Korea’s fast-growing “silver tech” market — where simplicity, empathy, and smart innovation converge.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
