Dear Members and Colleagues,

My name is Seok-Jun Yoon, Professor of Preventive Medicine at Korea University College of Medicine. I am honored to serve as the 18th Chairperson of the Board of the Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (KSPM).

Founded in 1947, the KSPM will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027. That the Society has continued since before the founding of the Republic of Korea speaks to the extraordinary perseverance and dedication of those who came before us. Yet despite this proud history, our Society has faced real challenges in recent years, including a decline in residency program applicants and financial difficulties.
Fortunately, through the concerted efforts of the previous executive board, much of the financial crisis has been resolved. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to former Chairperson of the Board, Young-Seoub Hong, the previous executive board, and all of our members for standing together through these challenges.

As the newly elected Chairperson of the Board, I would like to introduce several key initiatives I intend to pursue.

First, I will work to institutionally open pathways for younger generations to participate in Society governance and operations.

To this end, I plan to establish a "Future Generations Committee" within the Society's Bylaws through an extraordinary board meeting, creating formal channels for younger members to participate in Society governance and operations. As amendments to the Bylaws require ratification by the General Meeting, the Committee will begin operating as an "Ad Hoc Committee" until the next General Meeting convenes.

Second, I will establish an independent Spring Scientific Conference.

To my knowledge, it is quite rare among well-established, large-scale academic societies in the health and medicine field not to hold an independent spring conference. By launching a standalone Spring Scientific Conference — separate from our previous participation in the KBMS— we aim to enhance the Society's standing and visibility, and to expand meaningful opportunities for member engagement.

Third, I will strengthen our advocacy efforts for the rights and interests of our members.

To this end, I will carefully review health insurance schemes and healthcare system policies to identify areas where we can better protect and advance the rights and interests of our members, working steadily alongside the relevant board members to put these findings into practice. In particular, I intend to raise the level of international cooperation at the Society level — including establishing formal collaborative exchanges with the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) — and to draw on the insights gained to further our member advocacy efforts.

The year 2027 will be a landmark occasion as the KSPM marks its 80th anniversary. In preparation, we will launch a Special Preparatory Committee for the 80th Anniversary Commemoration to plan a truly meaningful celebration.

For all of these initiatives to succeed, financial stability is essential — and that requires the active interest and participation of our members. Just as many small dots unite to form a line, I ask that you join us with a shared commitment to the growth and advancement of the KSPM.

I sincerely wish all members of our Society good health and peace of mind throughout the year.

Thank you.