Dr. Jung Heewon, Advocate of "Slow Aging," Appointed as Seoul's First Health Supervisor

Providing Policy Advice and Ideas on "Citizen Health"

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has appointed Dr. Jung Heewon, who has promoted awareness of "slow aging," as the Health Supervisor, a newly established system of private sector experts designed to incorporate a health perspective throughout city policies.

According to the city on July 31, Dr. Jung, as the Health Supervisor, will provide advice and propose policy ideas from the perspective of "citizen health" during the formulation and implementation of city policies.

Dr. Heewon Jung appointed as Seoul City Health Director. Provided by Seoul City

The Health Supervisor is a non-permanent position that reports directly to the Mayor. The term lasts for two years, and duties will begin tomorrow, August 1.

Specific areas of consultation include identifying and improving health-related policies across city administration, policies for health management and promotion throughout the life cycle, health and welfare policies supporting vulnerable groups, and strategies for creating a sustainable and healthy environment.

 

The Health Supervisor system was introduced to address demographic changes resulting from low birth rates and an ultra-aged society, and to expand life cycle health management and health equity.

The city especially expects that the expertise and ideas of the Health Supervisor will enhance the completeness and effectiveness of health policies that have already received strong public support, such as the Wrist Doctor 9988 and Less Sweet Project.

Dr. Jung, appointed as the inaugural Health Supervisor, graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine and earned a Ph.D. from KAIST Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering. Until recently, Dr. Jung served as a professor of geriatrics at Asan Medical Center, and is currently working to raise public awareness about healthy living through concepts such as "slow aging" and "self-care."

Lee Dongryul, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau, stated, "We expect the Health Supervisor to take a broad view of existing policies from a health perspective and to suggest new directions that will contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens."