Who is Professor Park Sang-min, the Newly Appointed Presidential Physician for President Lee Jae-myung?

A Landmark Appointment: Family Medicine at the Forefront

Did you know? For the first time in over 60 years, South Korea has appointed a family medicine specialist, Professor Park Sang-min of Seoul National University Hospital, as the President's attending physician. Traditionally, this prestigious role has been reserved for internal medicine doctors, reflecting a shift toward more holistic and preventive healthcare for the nation's top leader. This change is seen as a milestone in the evolution of Korea's medical system, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care that spans all ages and health conditions.

Who is Professor Park Sang-min?

Professor Park is a renowned figure in Korean medicine. He graduated from Seoul Science High School and Seoul National University College of Medicine, and has held key positions such as Director of the Research Planning Division at the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency, Head of Family Medicine at SNU Hospital, and Director of the Health Promotion Center. He is currently the head of the Health System Data Science Lab at SNU College of Medicine and leads the Public Healthcare Big Data Convergence Research Project at SNU Hospital. Park is also set to chair the Asia-Pacific World Family Medicine Conference in 2025. His career is marked by a dedication to integrating data science and public health, making him a leader in evidence-based, patient-centered care.

What Does the Presidential Physician Do?

The role of the presidential physician in Korea goes far beyond routine check-ups. Since its establishment in 1963, the position has symbolized both the continuity of leadership and the prioritization of the president’s health. The physician is responsible for regular health assessments, medical advice, and accompanying the president on overseas trips, such as the recent G7 summit in Canada. Interestingly, this is an honorary position with no official salary, only covering activity expenses. Park’s appointment signals a recognition of the need for broad, preventive care, especially as public health challenges become more complex.

Park’s Medical Philosophy: Evidence-Based, Life-Course Care

Park Sang-min is widely respected for developing and providing comprehensive, evidence-based healthcare services tailored to every stage of life. He focuses on young adults, the elderly, cancer survivors, and those with complex chronic diseases. His approach combines the latest data science with personalized medicine, aiming to improve both individual and public health outcomes. Park’s work has earned him numerous awards, including the Korean Medical Association’s Military Medicine Award, the Young Medical Scientist Award, and the Pfizer Medical Award from the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

Community and Media Reactions: A New Era for Presidential Health

Online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 have been abuzz with the news. Positive comments highlight the move toward modern, preventive healthcare and praise Park’s credentials. Some users note that his background in big data and public health is especially relevant given the increasing complexity of healthcare needs. Others express curiosity about how this shift might influence broader healthcare policy. A few skeptics question whether the role’s honorary, unpaid nature might limit its impact, but most agree that Park’s appointment is a step in the right direction for both the presidency and public health.

Cultural Insight: Why This Matters for Korean Society

For international readers, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of the presidential physician in Korea. The role is rooted in the historical tradition of royal physicians (Eui-ui) who cared for kings. Today, it represents not just medical expertise, but also trust, confidentiality, and the safeguarding of national stability. The choice of a family medicine specialist underscores a growing societal emphasis on preventive care and the integration of advanced data analytics into medicine. This reflects broader trends in Korean society, where health and technology are increasingly intertwined.

What International Fans Should Know

If you follow Korean news or politics, you’ll see that this appointment is more than a personnel change—it’s a statement about the future of healthcare in Korea. Park’s expertise in data-driven, comprehensive care aligns with global trends in medicine. His leadership in academic and public health circles is expected to influence not only the president’s well-being but also the direction of Korean healthcare policy. For fans of Korean culture, this is a reminder of how deeply health, science, and governance are connected in shaping the nation’s future.

Conclusion: A Symbol of Change and Progress

Professor Park Sang-min’s appointment as President Lee Jae-myung’s attending physician is a historic and symbolic move for South Korea. It highlights a shift toward holistic, preventive, and data-driven healthcare at the highest level of government. As Korea continues to innovate in medicine and public health, this decision is likely to have ripple effects throughout the medical community and beyond. Stay tuned to see how this new chapter unfolds.