"Dear esteemed members of the Korean Society of Epidemiology,

Although the history of epidemiology is deeply intertwined with humanity’s long struggle against disease, modern epidemiology as a scientific discipline is relatively young—dating back about 170 years to John Snow’s 1854 cholera investigation. Within this short period, epidemiology has made remarkable contributions to the prevention of illness and death across a wide spectrum of conditions, including infectious diseases, cancers, cardiovascular diseases, other chronic diseases, and emerging environmental health issues.

Many disciplines play vital roles in promoting human health; however, epidemiology serves as the foundation and pillar of those that address health directly, such as public health and medicine. Its importance and influence are unmatched. With the rapid development of big data and information technology, and with the ongoing changes in our climate and environment, the role and significance of epidemiology will only continue to grow.

Founded in 1979, the Korean Society of Epidemiology (KSE) is among the earliest epidemiological societies in East Asia. Thanks to the dedication of our members and leadership over the decades, KSE has made remarkable progress and has consistently taken the lead in addressing pressing public health issues—achievements of which we can all be proud.

As the 21st President, I am committed to carrying forward this proud legacy. To lead in the era of big data, precision epidemiology, climate change, and One Health, while further strengthening our collective capacity, I propose the following priorities for our Society:

Strengthen the Society’s role as an open academic forum
We will continue to invigorate our academic networks, working groups, forums, and scientific meetings so that epidemiologists across diverse disciplines can collaborate and communicate without barriers. We will also reinforce our academic foundation by supporting the discovery of outstanding research and enhancing the quality and impact of our official journal.

Expand programs to nurture and support young epidemiologists
Through targeted professional development and mentorship programs, we will cultivate a strong sense of belonging among early-career epidemiologists and empower them to contribute actively to the advancement of the field.

Enhance international cooperation and elevate the Society’s global standing
Despite our long history and active engagement, our international participation and visibility are still growing. Beyond simple academic exchanges, we will strive to build a global network through which Korean epidemiologists can contribute to solving worldwide health challenges. The Society will also support our members in taking on greater roles within international organizations.

Improve the quality of epidemiologic education and expand continuing education
Epidemiology is a cornerstone of the health and medical sciences. While many educational programs exist, there remains room to enhance their content and rigor. The Society will actively seek to support education by developing and publishing high-quality epidemiology textbooks and expanding continuing-education opportunities.

In addition, we will strengthen partnerships with domestic and international organizations that require epidemiologic expertise or consultation, and we will proactively address rapidly evolving frontiers—such as advancements in data science and the health impacts of climate change—so that the Korean Society of Epidemiology continues to lead the next generation of epidemiologic research and practice.

The realization of these goals depends on the active engagement and contributions of our members. I sincerely appreciate your continued dedication and support for the Korean Society of Epidemiology.

January 1, 2025
Chun, Byung Chul

The 21st President, Korean Society of Epidemiology"