Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Korean stroke expert elected to World Stroke Organization board
Professor Kim Beom-joon of the department of neurology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital / Courtesy of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
By Anna J. Park
Professor Kim Beom-joon of the department of neurology at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital has been elected to the board of directors of the World Stroke Organization (WSO), marking an achievement for Korea’s stroke research community.
According to Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Kim will serve on the WSO board as a representative of the Korean Stroke Society. His four-year term is scheduled to begin in October.
"Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and reducing that burden depends on collaboration that crosses borders, disciplines, and health systems," Kim wrote on his LinkedIn posting. "I am grateful for the chance to contribute to that effort on a global stage and to help carry the voice of the Korean and Asia-Pacific stroke community into it."
The WSO is the world’s largest international academic organization dedicated to stroke. It plays a leading role in establishing global standards across stroke prevention, treatment, research, education and health care policy. The organization’s board of directors serves as its highest decision-making body, responsible for setting strategic priorities and overseeing major policy initiatives.
Kim’s appointment was finalized following a vote by WSO members and unanimous approval by the organization’s executive committee, reflecting strong international recognition of his expertise and leadership in the field.
Kim is widely recognized for his contributions to acute stroke imaging, prognostic research on vascular recanalization therapies and studies of intracranial atherosclerosis and vessel wall MRI. In addition to his new role at the WSO, he currently serves on the scientific committee of the International Stroke Conference and as director of international affairs for the Korean Stroke Society.
The new board will convene for the first time during the 18th World Stroke Congress, scheduled to be held in Seoul from Oct. 21 to 23.