Samyang's Wonjoong Lee Receives Vice Prime Minister's Commendation for Contributions to Science and Technology Advancement

Recognized for Contributions to Enhancing Supply Chain Stability and Competitiveness in Korea's Semiconductor and Display Industries

Wonjoong Lee, Team Leader of the Electronic Materials Program at the Samyang Corporation Chemical Research Institute, received the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT Commendation at the '2026 Science Day Ceremony for the Promotion of Science and Technology' held on the 12th.

Wonjoong Lee, Team Leader of the Electronic Materials Program at Samyang Corporation, received the Vice Prime Minister’s Commendation for Contributions to the Promotion of Science and Technology at the ceremony held on the 12th for the 2026 Science Day. Samyang Corporation

Lee was recognized for leading the localization research of oxime-based photoinitiators and non-ionic photoacid generators, which have been dominated by overseas companies in the United States, Japan, and Germany. His efforts contributed to enhancing the stability and competitiveness of supply chains in Korea's semiconductor and display industries.

Oxime-based photoinitiators are photosensitive materials that trigger chemical reactions upon exposure to light. They are considered key materials in advanced semiconductor and display processes due to their high photoreaction efficiency and suitability for fine pattern formation. Non-ionic photoacid generators are also regarded as next-generation photosensitive materials, as they minimize circuit spreading compared to existing products during circuit pattern formation and can be applied to ultra-fine processes.

Since 2012, Lee collaborated with the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology for five years to co-develop oxime-based photoinitiators. From 2018, he successfully developed ultra-high sensitivity oxime-based photoinitiators and non-ionic photoacid generators through in-house research. He led the entire development process, from new structural design and synthesis route development to process optimization, pilot verification, and mass production.

As a result, he registered more than 37 domestic and international patents related to new structures of oxime-based photoinitiators and photoacid generators, and succeeded in mass-producing six types of core photosensitive materials. According to the company, these achievements generated an estimated cumulative revenue of about 7.45 billion won from 2016 to 2025.

Lee stated, "This achievement is the result of continuous R&D investment by the company and collaboration among researchers," and added, "Going forward, we will continue to contribute to the localization of core materials for advanced industries and to strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic materials industry based on differentiated technological capabilities."

The Ministry of Science and ICT annually selects and awards individuals who have contributed to the advancement of science and technology in celebration of Science Day.

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