Positive electrode active material for lithium secondary battery, method for producing same, and lithium secondary battery

Disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which uses a lithium nickel manganese cobalt complex oxide that is capable of providing a lithium secondary battery with particularly excellent cycle characteristics, load characteristics and safety. Specifically disclosed is a positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery, which is characterized by being composed of a lithium complex oxide that is obtained by having a lithium nickel manganese cobalt complex oxide represented by the following general formula (1): LixNiyMnzCo1-y-zO1+x (wherein, x satisfies 1.02 <= x <= 1.25, y satisfies 0.30 <= y <= 0.40, and z satisfies 0.30 <= z <= 0.40) contain one or more kinds of metal atoms (Me) selected from among Mg, Al, Ti, Cu and Zr in an amount of 0.1% by mole or more but less than 5% by mole. The positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery is also characterized in that the amount of Li2CO3 present on the particle surfaces is 0.05-0.20% by weight.