Hwasun, South Korea - Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital (HCNUH), under the leadership of President Min Jung-joon, commemorated its 21st anniversary on April 24th with a ceremony held at the Future Medicine Innovation Center. The event, themed "A Hospital Where Tomorrow's Medicine Meets Today," was graced by the presence of prominent figures including Lee Geun-bae, Chairman of the Chonnam University Hospital Board and President of Chonnam National University, Jeong Shin, President of Chonnam National University Hospital, members of the National Assembly, key hospital officials, and staff.
In his commemorative address, President Min Jung-joon reflected on the hospital's journey, stating, "For the past 21 years, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has relentlessly pursued its mission as a specialized cancer treatment hospital dedicated to the health of the local community." He proudly noted, "Since its establishment, we have shattered the perception that cancer must be treated in Seoul, firmly establishing ourselves as Korea's leading specialized cancer hospital."
HCNUH's dedication to excellence has garnered international recognition. The hospital has been consistently ranked among the "World's Best Hospitals for Oncology" by the U.S. news magazine Newsweek for five consecutive years. Furthermore, in the "2025 Korea Hospital Evaluation," HCNUH achieved the highest ranking among non-metropolitan medical institutions, underscoring its exceptional standards.
Chairman Lee Geun-bae lauded the hospital's achievements in his congratulatory remarks. "Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, having grown into the nation's premier specialized cancer treatment institution, has significantly contributed to resolving the imbalance in regional healthcare by establishing cutting-edge medical infrastructure and providing world-class medical services," he stated. "I anticipate that with the passion, innovation, and pioneering spirit demonstrated over the past 21 years, they will continue to lead the future of medicine."
President Jeong Shin echoed this sentiment, emphasizing HCNUH's remarkable progress. "Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital has shown us limitless potential in specialized treatment, a balance between research and clinical practice, and influence extending beyond the local region," he affirmed. "Amidst the tides of change, including precision medicine, artificial intelligence, digital healthcare, and bio-research, we must transform into a future-oriented hospital. Becoming Asia's top cancer hospital and entering the ranks of the world's top 100 hospitals are no longer distant dreams but realistic goals."
A key highlight of the anniversary celebration was HCNUH's unveiling of its ambitious vision to become the "Center of Asian Cancer Care and Research."
President Min Jung-joon articulated this aspiration by stating, "If we view the world map upside down, the Jeonnam region takes the shape of extending into the vast oceans towards the rest of the world. We must evolve into an Asian cancer hub, reaching out to China, Japan, and the broader Asian region."
To realize this vision, HCNUH outlined concrete plans for the construction of a futuristic "Digital Anti-Cancer Center" and the acquisition of large-scale, advanced medical equipment, including particle therapy devices. The introduction of cutting-edge technologies like alpha particle accelerators is central to their ambition of becoming Asia's foremost cancer hospital.
"Tomorrow's medicine depends on our preparations today," President Min Jung-joon emphasized. "Building upon the achievements of the past 21 years, we must now strive to enhance our brand value and join the ranks of the world's top 100 cancer hospitals."
He further declared, "Our goal extends beyond simply being a research-oriented hospital; we aim to be a driver of regional innovation, providing global-standard advanced medical services."
HCNUH has consistently been at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge medical technologies. In 2009, it pioneered robot-assisted surgery in the Gwangju-Jeonnam region. In the previous year, the hospital became the only institution in the Honam region to fully implement the "Da Vinci SP" surgical system, enhancing its capabilities in complex surgeries and recently surpassing 2,000 cumulative robot-assisted procedures.
In the field of cancer treatment, HCNUH has consistently achieved the highest "Grade 1" ratings in adequacy assessments for major cancers, including colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, and lung cancer, demonstrating its top-tier clinical capabilities. Furthermore, its innovative research in developing new immunotherapies and vaccine treatments has yielded remarkable results, gaining international recognition.
The anniversary ceremony also included the presentation of commendations to medical professionals and staff who have made significant contributions to the hospital's development. The Department of Hematology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medical Affairs, and the 31st Ward received awards for outstanding departments. Recognized as exemplary employees were Kim Hyun-mi, Team Leader of the Medical Cooperation Center; Moon Ji-hye, Team Leader of the Medical Billing and Review Department; Kim Joon-yeon, Staff Member of the Department of Radiology; and Joo Hyun-cheol, Team Member of the Biomedical Research Institute at Chonnam National University Hospital.
Appreciation plaques were also awarded to the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government's Health and Welfare Bureau, Miro 21 Hospital, and Kim Kyung-ae, a volunteer who has dedicated 16 years to providing physical, emotional, and spiritual care to terminally ill cancer patients and their families at HCNUH's palliative care ward.
The ceremony concluded with a celebratory video featuring long-serving HCNUH employees and new recruits who joined the hospital this year, highlighting the institution's growth and its commitment to fostering a dedicated and skilled workforce. With its ambitious vision and unwavering commitment to innovation and patient care, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital is poised to make significant strides towards becoming a leading force in Asian cancer care and research.
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