Dear Members of the Korean Stroke Society,

It is my great honor and privilege to serve as the 13th President of the Korean Stroke Society (KSS) for the two-year term beginning in March 2026.

Since its founding in 1998, the KSS has grown into a leading academic organization in stroke research and clinical practice. This remarkable progress has been made possible by the dedication and contributions of our former Presidents, Chairmen, board members, and all members who have devoted themselves to the care of stroke patients as well as to research and education in this field.

The KSS has played a pivotal role in advancing stroke care in Korea through a wide range of initiatives, including education and research, the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines, the establishment and certification of stroke centers and stroke units, and collaboration with government and related organizations to improve national stroke care policies and strengthen the stroke care system. These efforts have significantly contributed to the development of an advanced stroke care system in Korea, leading to remarkable improvements in outcomes for patients with stroke. The world-class level of acute stroke care in Korea is also reflected in the OECD Health at a Glance report. According to data from 2011 to 2025, the 30-day case fatality rate for ischemic stroke in Korea is among the lowest in OECD countries, comparable to Japan, and more than 50% lower than the OECD average.

The official journal of the KSS, Journal of Stroke, has established itself as one of the most respected journals in the field of stroke worldwide. In addition to our domestic academic activities, the KSS maintains active international collaborations through regular joint scientific meetings and collaborative research with stroke investigators from Japan, Australia, and Taiwan. Furthermore, we are honored to host the World Stroke Congress 2026 in Seoul from October 21 to 23, 2026, one of the largest international scientific meetings in the field of stroke.

The mission of the KSS is to improve the quality of life of patients with stroke by providing high-quality care. To achieve this mission, the KSS pursues the following visions: 1) strengthening the knowledge and expertise of our members through active academic activities, 2) establishing an timely and effective stroke care system, 3) supporting the development of evidence-based national health policies, and 4) supporting members who will play central roles in the field of stroke.

Despite these achievements, the stroke care system in Korea and our Society now face serious challenges. Increasingly, young physicians are reluctant to pursue careers in essential medical services and emergency care for critically ill patients. In particular, the 2024 healthcare crisis in Korea has further accelerated this alarming trend, threatening the long-term sustainability of the national stroke care system.

To address these challenges, the KSS will strive to nurture the next generation of stroke specialists while also advocating for policy support and appropriate compensation for our members who continue to devote themselves to stroke care and research under difficult circumstances, so that they can continue their work without experiencing burnout. When our members can take pride in their work and receive appropriate recognition and support, more young physicians will be encouraged to pursue careers in the field of stroke. Such a virtuous cycle will further strengthen the stroke care system in Korea, improve outcomes for patients with stroke, and ultimately enhance the quality of life of patients and their families. It has already been well established that improvements in acute stroke care and patient outcomes can also reduce both direct and indirect healthcare costs at the national level in the long term.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the 13th President of the KSS. I look forward to your continued interest, support, and collaboration.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Hong Keun-Sik, MD, PhD President
Korean Stroke Society