Baek Nam-jong was officially inaugurated as the 20th director of Seoul National University Hospital. Seoul National University Hospital said on the 5th that it held a handover ceremony for outgoing Director Kim Young-tae, the 19th director, and incoming Director Baek Nam-jong, the 20th director, at the Children's Hospital CJ Hall in the afternoon. About 300 people from inside and outside the hospital, including Seoul National University President Yoo Hong-lim and former hospital directors, attended the event.
Outgoing Director Kim Young-tae said in a farewell address, "Thanks to the outstanding capabilities of the faculty and staff, we were able to innovate the care system and firmly lay the foundation for future AI research even during difficult times such as the medical-government standoff over the past three years." He added, "I sincerely support the brilliant future of Seoul National University Hospital that will be opened with one heart by incoming Director Baek Nam-jong, who has extensive experience, and all the faculty and staff."
During his tenure, Director Kim contributed to strengthening future medical competitiveness by establishing the group vision through the declaration of "One SNUH Network," being designated as Korea's first National Strategic Technology Specialized Research Institute, and developing a Korea-tailored medical LLM. He also accelerated the expansion of essential medical infrastructure as the national central hospital by breaking ground for Baegot Seoul National University Hospital and the Gijang carbon ion therapy center.
In his inaugural address, incoming Director Baek Nam-jong assessed that "Korean healthcare stands at a major turning point," and presented three key directions: strengthening capabilities to treat severe and rare diseases and establishing the function of a public healthcare control tower; building a "future hospital" based on a super-gap digital transformation; and innovating a communication-centered organizational culture.
In particular, Director Baek unveiled a plan to present the K-healthcare standard to the world through building an integrated DX platform for the Seoul National University Hospital group, integrating AI systems across the entire pre-care cycle, and creating an "intelligent consolidation healthcare" model that continues after discharge. He also emphasized, "I will build a happy community where every member feels pride."
Director Baek expressed his ambition, saying, "I will devote all my experience and passion so that Seoul National University Hospital will become a 'world's top-tier hospital' that earns trust and love from the public and inspires awe in the global medical community."
The term of incoming Director Baek Nam-jong is three years, from May 13, 2026, to May 12, 2029.