In-Yohan, a former lawmaker and medical professional, has been selected as the new head of the Korean Red Cross, the country's largest humanitarian organization. His extensive practical experience in the medical field and notable contributions to healthcare support in North Korea have garnered high praise.
The Korean Red Cross announced on June 22 that In-Yohan, a former professor at Yonsei University’s International Medical Center, was elected as its 32nd president following a decision by the Central Committee. His three-year term will officially begin after receiving final approval from President Lee Jae-myung, who serves as the honorary president.
The appointment has been viewed as a strategic choice that combines both expertise and symbolic significance. A spokesperson for the Red Cross stated, "In has dedicated many years to public health, contributing to tuberculosis eradication efforts in North Korea and providing medical equipment support. His hands-on experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Red Cross’s core operations in blood services, hospitals, disaster relief, and international humanitarian cooperation."
Some political analysts interpret the selection of a former ruling party member as a reflection of President Lee Jae-myung’s commitment to political integration.
In-Yohan entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative for the People Power Party in the 22nd general election, where he led internal reform efforts. However, he resigned from his position in December 2024, expressing disappointment over the declaration of a state of emergency by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, distancing himself from politics since then.
Born in 1959 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, In comes from a missionary family with deep ties to Korea. He is the great-grandson of Eugene Bell, an American missionary sent in the 19th century, and a member of the Linton family, which has been dedicated to education and medical service in Korea for four generations.
After graduating from Yonsei University College of Medicine and obtaining his master's and doctoral degrees from Korea University, In made history in 1987 by becoming the first foreigner to pass the Korean medical licensing exam. He has since served as a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Yonsei University, director of the International Medical Center at Severance Hospital, and president of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). He has been a leader in addressing healthcare disparities and advancing public health.
Notably, he designed and developed the first Korean-style ambulance in the 1990s, laying the groundwork for the 119 emergency response system. His ongoing efforts to combat tuberculosis in North Korea through the Eugene Bell Foundation are still widely recognized. In 2012, he was selected as the first recipient of special naturalization by the South Korean government, becoming a full citizen.
Ahead of his inauguration, In stated, "Under the noble humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross, I will fully utilize my diverse experiences gained in the field. I am committed to leading the development of the Korean Red Cross and helping our society's marginalized neighbors."
The Korean Red Cross announced on June 22 that In-Yohan, a former professor at Yonsei University’s International Medical Center, was elected as its 32nd president following a decision by the Central Committee. His three-year term will officially begin after receiving final approval from President Lee Jae-myung, who serves as the honorary president.
The appointment has been viewed as a strategic choice that combines both expertise and symbolic significance. A spokesperson for the Red Cross stated, "In has dedicated many years to public health, contributing to tuberculosis eradication efforts in North Korea and providing medical equipment support. His hands-on experience makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Red Cross’s core operations in blood services, hospitals, disaster relief, and international humanitarian cooperation."
Some political analysts interpret the selection of a former ruling party member as a reflection of President Lee Jae-myung’s commitment to political integration.
In-Yohan entered the National Assembly as a proportional representative for the People Power Party in the 22nd general election, where he led internal reform efforts. However, he resigned from his position in December 2024, expressing disappointment over the declaration of a state of emergency by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, distancing himself from politics since then.
Born in 1959 in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, In comes from a missionary family with deep ties to Korea. He is the great-grandson of Eugene Bell, an American missionary sent in the 19th century, and a member of the Linton family, which has been dedicated to education and medical service in Korea for four generations.
After graduating from Yonsei University College of Medicine and obtaining his master's and doctoral degrees from Korea University, In made history in 1987 by becoming the first foreigner to pass the Korean medical licensing exam. He has since served as a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Yonsei University, director of the International Medical Center at Severance Hospital, and president of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). He has been a leader in addressing healthcare disparities and advancing public health.
Notably, he designed and developed the first Korean-style ambulance in the 1990s, laying the groundwork for the 119 emergency response system. His ongoing efforts to combat tuberculosis in North Korea through the Eugene Bell Foundation are still widely recognized. In 2012, he was selected as the first recipient of special naturalization by the South Korean government, becoming a full citizen.
Ahead of his inauguration, In stated, "Under the noble humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross, I will fully utilize my diverse experiences gained in the field. I am committed to leading the development of the Korean Red Cross and helping our society's marginalized neighbors."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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