A backlight unit for a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal panel, includes: a light source including a light-emitting diode (“ED”) which generates and emits light; and a light converting layer between the light source and the liquid crystal panel, spaced apart from the light source, and converting the light from the light source into white light and emitting the white light toward the liquid crystal panel. The light converting layer includes: semiconductor nanocrystals, and a barrier material which restricts penetration of moisture or oxygen.