ABOUT
Mission Statement:
At Children of Korea, our mission is to enhance the quality of medical care for children and people across Korea by providing developmental and technical training, facilitating medical knowledge exchanges, and ensuring continuity of care. We are dedicated to expanding access to healthcare and improving health outcomes throughout the Korean Peninsula.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is a future where every child and individual in Korea has access to high-quality medical care, regardless of geographical or political barriers. We strive to be a leading force in transforming healthcare delivery and fostering collaboration between North and South Korea, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more unified Korean Peninsula.
David Hong, M.D.
Dr. David Hong is an active pediatric neurosurgeon with special research interests in global neurosurgery. He is the first pediatric neurosurgeon working in North Korea. Dr Hong has been traveling to Pyongyang regularly since 2015, working most frequently with the neurosurgeons at Okryu Children’s Hospital to improve the level of medical care. Dr. Hong’s organization, Children of Korea, will continue the ongoing work begun in 2007 to serve the medical needs of the children and people of North Korea. He has been featured on the BBC World Service, Radio Free Asia, Washington Post, and radio service of KBS for his expertise on North Korean health.
Yeri Im
Yeri Im has been active in Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) initiatives since 2003. She serves on the Boards of Christian Friends of Korea, which aids tuberculosis and hepatitis treatment. Yeri also serves on the Androcles Project, which supports diplomacy for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Previously, she managed operations at World Vision North Korea and assisted DPRK expert Dr. Tony Namkung. Yeri began her career as a Program Manager at the Korean-American Sharing Movement and has visited North Korea frequently since 2005. She has coordinated major conferences, including a Track-II conference for Six Party Talks negotiators.
Heeje Lee, D.D.S., M.P.H.
Dr. Heeje Lee is a dentist specializing in endodontics and prosthodontics. He has visited many developing countries, including North Korea, to serve patients and train local dentists and students. Since 2016, he has been teaching at the School of Dentistry at Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, where he focuses on enhancing dental education and healthcare. Dr. Lee has also been involved in various humanitarian missions, providing critical dental care and sharing his expertise in underserved regions. His commitment to improving global dental health is complemented by his academic achievements, having earned his Master of Public Health degree at the University of California, Berkeley.