The present invention relates to a mobile terminal and a method for controlling the same which can effectively reduce an afterimage phenomenon generated on a display unit. A control apparatus of a mobile terminal for reducing an afterimage of a display unit of the mobile terminal according to embodiments of the present invention may comprise: the display unit for displaying items in a turned-on state; and a control unit for turning off the display unit after displaying the items on the display unit, moving display locations of the items displayed on the display unit in the turned-on state in a state where the display unit is turned off, and displaying the items in the moved display locations when the display unit is turned back on.