Seoul Semiconductor, a specialist in optical semiconductors, has achieved a historic milestone by securing the No. 1 market share in the global backlight LED market for the first time.

The company announced on August 8 that it recorded a 16.5% market share in the global LED market’s backlight segment in 2023, according to data released by market research firm Omdia. This achievement marks a significant shift in the industry, as Seoul Semiconductor has surpassed the long-time leader in the backlight segment, Japanese company Nichia.

Seoul Semiconductor, the world’s third-largest LED specialist, provides LED products and optical solutions for lighting, automotive, and display applications. The company holds over 18,000 patents and is known for its innovative products such as “nPola,” which is more than 10 times brighter than conventional LEDs, the advanced UV sterilization technology “Violeds,” the omnidirectional “Filament LED,” and the natural light LED “SunLike.”

In the display segment, Seoul Semiconductor offers customized LED solutions for TVs, monitors, and automotive applications based on its “WICOP” technology. This technology involves thermal management, local dimming, and optical design, and it manufactures LED elements without wires and packaging. WICOP technology enables the production of ultra-small, high-efficiency LED elements and has been adopted in over 100 models by global automotive companies.

“This is a valuable achievement by a mid-sized Korean company, surpassing the long-time leader in the backlight segment, Japanese company Nichia,” Seoul Semiconductor stated. The company’s rise to the top spot in the backlight LED market is a testament to its relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in the highly competitive LED industry.

Historically, Nichia Corporation, a Japanese company, has been a dominant player in the global LED market, particularly in the backlight segment. Their long-standing leadership and innovations have set industry standards. The shift from Japanese to Korean leadership marks a significant change in the industry dynamics, highlighting the competitive nature of the LED market.

Seoul Semiconductor’s innovative products and technologies have played a crucial role in its market success. The company’s nPola technology, which is significantly brighter than conventional LEDs, and Violeds’ an advanced UV sterilization technology, have set new benchmarks in the industry. Additionally, the Filament LED and SunLike products have further solidified the company’s position as a leader in optical semiconductors.

The company’s WICOP technology, which eliminates the need for wires and packaging in LED elements, has been a game-changer. This technology allows for the production of ultra-small, high-efficiency LED elements, making it highly attractive for various applications, including automotive lighting. The adoption of WICOP technology in over 100 automotive models globally underscores its impact on the market.

Seoul Semiconductor’s achievement is also a reflection of South Korea’s strong semiconductor industry. The country is known for its leading semiconductor companies like Samsung and SK Hynix, and Seoul Semiconductor’s success adds to South Korea’s reputation in the semiconductor sector.

The global LED market is part of a complex supply chain involving raw materials, manufacturing, and distribution. Seoul Semiconductor’s leadership in the backlight segment highlights its ability to navigate this intricate landscape and secure a competitive advantage.