Dear Esteemed Members of the Korean Society for Cytopathology,

Warm greetings.

My name is Yoon Jung Choi from Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital.

It is a great honor for me to serve as President of the Korean Society for Cytopathology (KSC) from January 2025 to December 2026. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the previous leadership and all members for their dedication and support. With a deep sense of responsibility, I pledge to devote myself to the growth of our Society and the advancement of our members.

Since its founding in 1986, the KSC has played a pivotal role in raising awareness of the importance of cytopathology and has made significant contributions across various fields under the banner of our mission: ¡°Cytopathology for a Healthy Life.¡± In particular, the implementation of the Papanicolaou (PAP) smear has been instrumental in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in Korea. This achievement stands as clear evidence of the value cytopathology brings to public health and is a source of great pride for all of us.

As cervical cancer screening evolves with the adoption of HPV molecular testing, we will continue to emphasize the enduring value and advantages of the Pap smear, ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of the national screening program.

We are also proud to announce that the 2028 International Congress of Cytology (ICC) will be held in Suwon, Korea. This presents a vital opportunity for our Society to expand its global presence and foster greater international collaboration. Building on this momentum, we aim to take a leading role in the establishment of the Asian Federation of Cytopathology Societies (AFCS), thereby elevating the status of Korean cytopathology across Asia and beyond.

At the same time, the adoption of digital pathology and AI-based diagnostic tools marks a transformative era in our field. Our Society is committed to staying ahead of these changes by supporting relevant research and education, enabling our members to adapt quickly to the evolving diagnostic environment. We will also strive to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency through the use of cutting-edge technologies.

Through our academic conferences and continuing education programs, we will continue to offer high-quality lectures and training opportunities. These gatherings should not only serve as venues for sharing the latest research but also vital opportunities for meaningful exchange and collaboration among members. I will do my best to ensure that every conference is a dynamic and enjoyable forum for scholarly discussion and reflection on the future of our discipline.

Our online educational platform, CytoAcademy, stands as one of our most valuable achievements. We will continue to expand and enrich this platform to provide members with easy access to the latest resources and learning opportunities-making CytoAcademy a world-class hub for cytopathology education.

Dear members,

Together, I am confident we can take the KSC to new heights. I sincerely hope that our society remains a friendly, supportive, and dependable home for all its members. I ask for your continued support and cooperation on this journey.

Thank you.
January 2025
Yoon Jung Choi, MD, Ph.D, MIAC
President
The Korean Society for Cytopathology
The Korean Society for Cytopathology
#1508 Renaissancetower, 14, Mallijae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul 04195, Korea
Tel : +82-2-593-6943 Fax : +82-2-593-6944
e-mail:cytopathology@hanmail.net, www.cytopathol.or.kr