Why did the American Ceramic Society give Jeon Seon-kyu its Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology?

The society recognized Jeon for MiCo Group’s advanced ceramic technologies used at major semiconductor manufacturing sites worldwide. It also cited the group’s development of core ceramic materials, localization of key equipment components and mass-production capabilities.

What makes Jeon Seon-kyu’s American Ceramic Society award historically significant in Korea and Asia?

Jeon is the first Korean to receive the medal and was the sole recipient this year. Before him, the Asian recipients included four Japanese and two Chinese awardees.

MiCo chairman wins top US ceramic industry award

Q: How has Jeon Seon-kyu contributed to MiCo Group and the ceramic industry since founding Komico?

Jeon founded Komico in 1996 and has led MiCo Group for nearly three decades, guiding its growth in semiconductors and advanced ceramics. He also supported industry talent through academic partnerships and scholarship programs.

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Summary

MiCo Group Chairman Jeon Seon-kyu received the Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday local time. The American Ceramic Society recognized his leadership in developing advanced ceramic technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. Jeon was the award’s sole recipient this year and the first Korean to receive it. He pledged to strengthen MiCo Group’s ceramic technologies and expand its global business.

Key Facts

The American Ceramic Society selects up to two medal recipients annually, including one from the Americas and one from outside the region.
Jeon founded Komico, MiCo Group’s semiconductor parts manufacturing unit, in 1996 after graduating from Seoul National University with a business administration degree.
ACerS highlighted MiCo Group’s development of core ceramic materials, localization of key semiconductor equipment components and establishment of mass-production capabilities.
Jeon has supported ceramic-industry talent development through industry-academia partnerships and scholarship programs.

By Nam Hyun-woo

Published Oct 6, 2026 11:08 am KST

MiCo Group Chairman Jeon Seon-kyu receives the Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology at the American Ceramic Society's Annual Honors & Awards Banquet in Pittsburgh, Pa, Monday (local time). Courtesy of Mico Group

MiCo Group Chairman Jeon Seon-kyu has received a top honor from the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) for his leadership in advancing ceramic technology, the company said Tuesday.

Jeon was presented with the Medal for Leadership in the Advancement of Ceramic Technology at ACerS’ Annual Honors & Awards Banquet on Monday (local time) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The award recognizes senior industry executives who have demonstrated leadership and vision in driving corporate growth and advancing the ceramic industry.

Up to two recipients are selected each year, one from the Americas and one from outside the region. Jeon was the sole recipient this year.

Jeon is the first Korean to receive the award. In Asia, only four Japanese and two Chinese recipients have previously been selected.

ACerS recognized Jeon for MiCo Group’s development of advanced ceramic technologies used at major semiconductor manufacturing sites worldwide. It also highlighted the group’s efforts to develop core ceramic materials, localize key components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment and establish mass-production capabilities.

Jeon founded Komico, the group’s semiconductor parts manufacturing unit, in 1996 after graduating from Seoul National University with a degree in business administration. He has since led MiCo Group for nearly three decades, driving its growth in semiconductors and advanced ceramics.

He has also supported talent development in the ceramic industry through industry-academia partnerships and scholarship programs.

Jeon said he was honored to receive the award and pledged to further strengthen MiCo Group’s advanced ceramic technologies and expand its global business.

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