[Power K-Women] Professor Sung Jin-sil: "No one is perfect from birth... Receive help and also lend a hand"

First Female Recipient of the Blue Fairy Award
Pioneer of Liver Cancer Radiation Therapy in Korea

Editor's NoteAsia Economy will select women active not only in Asia but around the world as 'Power K-Women' at the Women's Leaders Forum to be held this October. We have chosen individuals who have overcome and broken down boundaries such as race, borders, and disabilities as 'Power K-Women.' This is to widely promote the value of those who have fought against discrimination and confinement, and to convey new leadership values to youth and women. Their stories will provide comfort to a weary world, become role models for someone, and give communities the strength to move forward again. Date｜ October 19, 2022 (Wednesday) 9:00 AM - 5:20 PM Venue｜ Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom (2F), Sogong-dong

My favorite book is Michelle Obama's 'Becoming.' No one is born great. I also went through many difficult journeys and received a lot of help from those around me. Now, I want to serve as a mentor for juniors.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The first female recipient of the 'Blue Faery Award,' recognized by the U.S. medical research evaluation organization Expertscape as the world's top researcher in liver cancer, the first female president of the Korean Liver Cancer Association, and recipient of the Beomseok Medical Award and JW Choong-Wai Academic Award. These are just some highlights of Professor Sung Jin-sil of Yonsei Cancer Center's Department of Radiation Oncology, a pioneer in liver cancer radiation therapy in Korea. What makes Professor Sung shine above all is that she overcame the 'double minority' of being a woman in the radiation oncology field, which was extremely barren in Korea.

"The cooperation and efforts of those around me combined to make who I am today"

During her school days, Professor Sung was an ordinary student who dreamed of becoming a biologist. There were no doctors in her family, and she had no intention of becoming a doctor herself. Then, a friend aiming for medical school told her that the studies were similar to biology, and they prepared together, which became the starting point. After being admitted to Yonsei University College of Medicine, she began her path as a doctor, but opportunities were not easily given to women. Professor Sung recalled, "I graduated in 1983, but back then, female students were not accepted into the majors they wanted, so I was going around various departments."

Then, Professor Sung met radiation oncology as if by fate. At that time, radiology included both diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. It was just the beginning of separating into diagnostic radiology, which takes images and diagnoses, and radiation oncology, which specializes in cancer treatment using radiation. Professor Sung said, "Radiation oncology was a newly established field in its second year at that time," adding, "I started it like an adventure because it was academically attractive and I wanted to be a model in the early days." Radiation therapy has now become one of the most powerful weapons against cancer alongside surgery and chemotherapy, so Professor Sung's adventure was truly successful. Recently, as patients' quality of life has become more emphasized, the role of radiation therapy, which can minimize physical damage and ensure aesthetics, has grown even more.

Although she is now a well-known doctor with numerous research achievements, Professor Sung confessed that she did not have a strong research spirit during her training days. Rather, many difficulties became a reality. She faced not only issues of marriage and child-rearing but also concerns about whether there would be a place to work in a department that only exists in university hospitals, not in small or medium-sized hospitals, due to the nature of radiation oncology. What held her up was the help and cooperation of those around her. Professor Sung said, "It was tough, but fortunately, I met many mentors who helped me," adding, "I became grateful for the good conditions I gradually enjoyed, took responsibility, and was connected to work hard on research and demonstrate leadership."

Two people cannot be left out as the background for Professor Sung overcoming the double minority and growing. First is her mentor, Professor Kim Gwi-eon, Emeritus Professor at Yonsei University College of Medicine. Professor Kim is regarded as Korea's top expert in radiation cancer treatment and served as the director of the Yonsei Cancer Center, the predecessor of Yonsei Cancer Hospital. Professor Sung expressed gratitude, saying, "He opened the way for me and showed me the attitude of a scholar. I followed that path unwaveringly." The other is her husband, Han Gwang-hyeop, Director of the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (former Professor of Gastroenterology at Severance Hospital). Professor Sung said, "I have two daughters, and if my husband had made unnecessary patriarchal demands, I wouldn't be who I am today," adding, "It was possible because we cooperated as husband and colleague, senior and junior, and spouse."

Professor Sung Jin-sil. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The only woman among 13 past recipients... Pride in Korea's cancer treatment capabilities

With the help and cooperation of those around her and her own relentless efforts, Professor Sung has risen as a global authority beyond Korea. One of her representative achievements is receiving the 'Blue Faery Award' in 2019 as the first woman and the first radiation oncology specialist. The Blue Faery is a U.S. nonprofit foundation established in 2003 with a family donation to honor Adrienne Wilson, who passed away from liver cancer at a young age. It plays a role in encouraging research motivation by awarding the Blue Faery Award annually to medical professionals who have made outstanding achievements in liver cancer, including prevention activities and patient support. Among the 13 past recipients of this prestigious award, Professor Sung is the only woman. She expressed pride, saying, "The previous recipients were formidable, so I was surprised to receive this award," adding, "It was a very difficult award, and I was the first woman in Korea to receive it."

Professor Sung is currently devoted to research and treatment of intractable cancers with very poor prognosis, such as liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bile duct cancer. In particular, liver cancer was the second leading cause of cancer deaths after lung cancer as of 2020 and is called the 'silent killer' because it shows no symptoms in the early stages. As the first female president of the Korean Liver Cancer Association in 2017, Professor Sung recognized the importance of early diagnosis of liver cancer and established February 2 as 'Liver Cancer Day.' It signifies the recommendation to receive 'two' tests, liver cancer markers and abdominal ultrasound, 'twice' a year for early diagnosis. Professor Sung pointed out, "Korea has a high prevalence of hepatitis B, which progresses to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer," adding, "The age group most affected by liver cancer is 40 to 60 years old, the core of family and society, so if they get sick, it causes a huge social and economic loss." She repeatedly emphasized the importance of early detection and social efforts, recognizing hepatitis B as a 'high-risk group' for liver cancer.

This year, Professor Sung was appointed president of the Korean Cancer Association, the largest cancer society in Korea, which has made her responsibilities even heavier. The Korean Cancer Association plays a leadership role in the Asian Clinical Oncology Society and holds academic conferences in cooperation with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), reflecting a very high academic level. Professor Sung said, "We are internally discussing ways to strengthen public campaigns and awareness about cancer by cooperating with the government, patients, and publicity groups." She also expressed pride in Korea's cancer treatment capabilities. She diagnosed, "There are some areas to improve for rare cancers or cancers common in the West, but for gastrointestinal cancers, people come to Korea from the U.S. for surgery," adding, "Compared to Europe, Korea's cancer treatment level is very superior." She also evaluated Korea's overall cancer-related policies as "very well made." Unlike the West, where you have to wait months to see top-level doctors abroad, Korea provides treatment at a lower cost and without such long waits.

The keyword she always thinks about: 'Becoming'... Striving to be a better self

When asked what advice she would give to juniors as a pioneer who has opened new paths, Professor Sung answered, "The keyword I always think about is 'becoming.' We must create a better version of ourselves, not just who we are today." She also emphasized cooperation as the top value. "Nothing can be achieved by being outstanding and excellent alone." Professor Sung said, "The natural person Sung Jin-sil did not suddenly appear as a liver cancer expert. It took a long time and cooperation," adding, "I am ready and willing to play a mentoring role to help and support others, and I am doing so."

About Professor Sung Jin-sil…

▲ Yonsei University College of Medicine, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate ▲ President of the Korean Liver Cancer Association ▲ President of the Korean Society of Radiation Life Science ▲ President of the Asia-Pacific Liver Cancer Association ▲ Full Member of the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences ▲ Advisor to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ▲ President of the Korean Cancer Association