I would like to express my deepest gratitude for entrusting me with the significant responsibility of serving as the 17th Chairman of the association. Amid recent conflicts in medical policy and a challenging healthcare environment, I sincerely commend all members who have steadfastly fulfilled their duties in clinical care, research, and education.

Founded in 1995, the KASL celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2025. Compared to 15 years ago, when I served as Academic Director, the association has made remarkable progress both quantitatively and qualitatively, growing into an organization recognized for its standing worldwide. In particular, the association’s official journal, Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, has recently achieved an Impact Factor of 16.9, establishing itself as one of the world’s leading hepatology journals. These achievements were made possible not only by the leadership of our past chairpersons, presidents, and board members, but also by the dedicated efforts of every member of the association. I am deeply grateful.

Building on this foundation, I will work closely with Chairperson Young-Suk Lim and the board over the coming year. In addition, I will dedicate my utmost efforts to strengthening the association’s academic depth, nurturing the next generation of researchers, promoting international exchange, and enhancing the association’s social responsibility, so that the KASL will be reborn as a younger, stronger, and more vibrant organization. I also ask for your continued interest, active participation, and support.

As we approach 2026, the Byeongo Year, the Year of the Red Horse, I hope it will be a year of even greater progress for our association, and I wish all members good health and continued success.

Thank you.