Dear Members of the Korea Genome Organization (KOGO) and Fellow Genomics Researchers,
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as the President of KOGO. KOGO was founded in 1990 as the Korean Human Gene Study Group, coinciding with the launch of the Human Genome Project. At the time, Korea was on the periphery of genomics research, with limited advancements in the field. However, over the past 35 years, through the dedication and passion of our members, KOGO has become a leading force in Korean genomics research and has also gained significant international recognition.
Today, genomics is no longer a niche discipline but a fundamental pillar of virtually all life science research. It plays an essential role in precision medicine, artificial intelligence-driven biomedical applications, and real-world healthcare innovations. Moreover, genomics is no longer confined to academic research—it has emerged as a key driver of future bio-medical industries, offering immense potential for scientific and economic advancements. I take great pride in KOGO’s pivotal role in guiding the effective and ethical utilization of genomic information, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our members for their invaluable contributions.
Over the past decade, KOGO has experienced remarkable quantitative and qualitative growth, with its membership now nearing 2,000 researchers. Notably, the increasing number of young members has infused our annual conference with unparalleled dynamism and energy. Recognizing that now is the time for KOGO to take a bold leap forward, our leadership team will focus on the following key initiatives:
Expanding opportunities for young researchers to actively participate and engage in the organization.
Increasing academic discussions and knowledge-sharing platforms to foster a more collaborative research environment.
Enhancing international collaboration to position KOGO as a global leader in genomics.
Actively contributing to national policy-making by providing expert insights and recommendations to shape Korea’s genomic research direction and vision.
The year 2025, known as the Eulsa Year (乙巳年) in the traditional Korean calendar, symbolizes wisdom and growth. In keeping with this spirit, KOGO is committed to wisely navigating its next phase of growth and evolution. I extend my deepest gratitude to our executive committee members and all KOGO members who will join me in advancing our organization in 2025.
I wish you all a prosperous and fulfilling new year. May this year bring happiness, success, and significant achievements to all members and genomics researchers in Korea.
Sincerely, Yeun-Jun Chung, M.D., Ph.D. President, Korean Genome Organization (KOGO), 2025
