Lee Woo-yong, a professor of colorectal surgery at Samsung Medical Center widely regarded as one of the leading specialists in his field both in South Korea and internationally, took office Tuesday as the new president of the Korean Cancer Association. His two-year term runs through June 2028.
The Korean Cancer Association traces its roots to the Korean Cancer Research Society, was founded in 1974 and is considered the largest cancer-focused academic society in the country, with more than 2,400 members across basic science and clinical medicine. Lee graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine in 1988 and has served as a professor of colorectal surgery at Samsung Medical Center since 1999. He has held a range of senior positions at the hospital, including director of the Colorectal Cancer Center, chief of surgery, head of planning, director of the Health Promotion Center and director of the Cancer Hospital. Since January, he has also served as executive vice president of Sungkyunkwan University.
Lee has been at the forefront of advancing South Korean medicine. He previously served as president of the Korean Society of Coloproctology and the Korean Surgical Society, and as president of the Korean Society of Surgical Oncology — making his new role his fourth time leading a major academic society. He also became president of the World Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery in 2024 and continues to work to raise the global standing of Korean physicians.
The World Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery is the field's leading international academic body, with 449 university hospital physicians from 81 countries. Lee's election as its president was seen as a symbolic milestone for Korean medicine on the world stage, given that the organization has historically been dominated by physicians from the United States and Europe.
In recognition of his contributions, Lee received the Hongjo Order of Merit at the 18th National Cancer Prevention Day ceremony in 2025. "South Korea's cancer research and treatment already ranks among the world's best," he said. "I will gather the hopes of all those who have worked toward a healthier world and press forward toward an even greater vision."
kty@heraldcorp.com
