Professor Kim Woo-joo of Korea University Guro Hospital Receives the 14th 'Yuilhan Award'

Professor Kim Woo-joo, Department of Infectious Diseases, Korea University Guro Hospital, selected as the presenter of the 14th 'Yoo Il-han Award' (Photo by Yuhan Corporation)

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Yuhan Corporation announced on the 10th that it has selected Professor Woojoo Kim of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Korea University Guro Hospital as the recipient of the 14th 'Yuilhan Award.' The award ceremony will be held on the 13th at 6 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Chosun Hotel.

The Yuilhan Award Selection Committee stated, "In honor of the noble patriotism and dedication to the people of the late Dr. Yuilhan Yoo, and considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation, we aimed to discover and award those who have contributed to the improvement of human health through virus eradication and related efforts." They added, "Professor Woojoo Kim has played an active role in establishing quarantine policies and responding to viruses during national crises such as COVID-19, making significant academic, social, and policy contributions to public health and the response to emerging infectious diseases."

Professor Kim is recognized as the top domestic expert in viral infectious diseases and a pioneer in establishing the foundation for influenza prevention and management. He contributed to public health by establishing Korea's first influenza virus surveillance system (KISS) and, as the head of the New Influenza Interministerial Project Group, helped create a research environment and promote research activities on viruses.

In particular, he is regarded as a medical professional who has greatly contributed to overcoming national crises and improving domestic infectious disease treatment and prevention policies by advising the government or directly controlling situations during infectious disease crises such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and COVID-19.

The Yuilhan Award was established in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Dr. Yuilhan Yoo's birth, honoring his great life and noble spirit. Every two years, individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in all areas of society are recommended and selected by the Yuilhan Award Selection Committee to receive the award.