A method of driving a backlight unit is provided. The backlight includes a plurality of lamps sequentially turned on/off. Each of the plurality of lamps is periodically turned on for a predetermined period. The method includes applying a first lamp current to one of the plurality of lamps for a first time period within the predetermined period so that the one of the plurality of lamps emits light with a first brightness, and applying a second lamp current to the one of the plurality of lamps for a second time period within the predetermined period so that the one of the plurality of lamps emits light with a second brightness.