First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Appointed Honorary President of Korea Support Committee for International Vaccine Institute: "I Will Fulfill My Role"

Chairperson of the Korea Support Committee Presents Honorary President Plaque to First Lady Kim

First Lady Kim Briefed on Korea’s Partnership, Key Achievements, and Future Vaccine Development Plans

"Working Together to Spread Positive Impact

On March 18, First Lady Kim Hyekyung met with Jerome Kim, Director General of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), and said, "I am very pleased to join this meaningful journey that brings hope to children around the world who are desperately waiting for vaccines." She added, "As the 6th Honorary President of the Korea Support Committee, I will do my best to strengthen Korea's global health leadership and work together to ensure that IVI's positive impact reaches every corner of the world."

Yonhap News

That afternoon at the Blue House, Mrs. Kim met with Director General Jerome Kim and said, "I am delighted to meet you in person after being appointed the 6th Honorary President of the Korea Support Committee for the International Vaccine Institute last September. It is a great honor to carry on the meaningful tradition established by the late Lee Heeho, and I feel the accompanying duty and responsibility very deeply," she said.

Mrs. Kim continued, "The International Vaccine Institute has contributed to protecting human health and lives through the development and distribution of safe and effective vaccines. I deeply respect and thank the IVI for giving hope to children in countries where it is difficult to fully enjoy the benefits of vaccines due to economic circumstances."

The meeting was arranged at the request of both the International Vaccine Institute and the Korea Support Committee. The IVI, established in 1997, is the first international organization headquartered in Korea. It aims to contribute to global health by developing and distributing safe and affordable vaccines. The Korea Support Committee has supported these activities, and since the time of the late Lee Heeho, has appointed the spouses of successive presidents as Honorary Presidents, promoting Korea’s contributions and continuing domestic support activities.

Jerome Kim, Director General, responded, "I am deeply grateful for Mrs. Kim Hyekyung’s warm welcome and for accepting the position of 6th Honorary President of the Korea Support Committee. This is a powerful message showcasing Korea’s leadership and values in global health and international solidarity."

During the meeting, the Korea Support Committee presented Mrs. Kim with a plaque commemorating her appointment as Honorary President. Park Sangcheol, Chairman of the Korea Support Committee, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Mrs. Kim Hyekyung’s inauguration as Honorary President will be a great source of hope for children around the world waiting for vaccines." Director General Jerome Kim presented a doll of 'Sam,' the IVI mascot, as a commemorative gift.

In the following closed-door meeting, Mrs. Kim was briefed on the cooperative relationship between the IVI and Korea, major achievements, and future vaccine development plans.

Director General Jerome Kim explained, "The cholera vaccine co-developed with EuBiologics is being supplied to over 50 countries and is serving as a key tool in public health. The typhoid vaccine, developed in collaboration with SK bioscience, is also expected to contribute to the protection of children in developing countries."

Mrs. Kim responded, "Developing vaccines for diseases such as cholera and typhoid in collaboration with Korean companies and saving the lives of many children is a valuable achievement born from the IVI's expertise and Korea's bio capabilities. I am also deeply grateful for the wholehearted support shown by the Korea Support Committee."

Chairman Park Sangcheol added, "The Korea Support Committee, with the participation of prominent figures from various fields, supports Korea’s expanding role in global health. Through research on vaccines to respond to emerging viruses as well as vaccine distribution, we will work to protect vulnerable populations and elevate Korea’s international standing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.