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Vasovagal Syncope: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Management in South Korea

[Physician's Column] By Seonhee Seok, Director, Haearim Korean Medicine Clinic, Jamsil BranchDizziness, headaches, or nausea during a crowded commute or in highly stressful situations may signal a condition known as vasovagal syncope. In 2022, about 22,000 South Koreans received medical care for vasovagal syncope, according to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). Experts note, however, that actual cases may be higher due to underdiagnosis and limited public awareness.To understand vasovagal syncope, it’s essential to grasp the role of the autonomic nervous system, which
Healthcare Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 15:16
Korean Teas for Edema Relief: Corn Silk and Pumpkin Tea Benefits Explained

Sitting or standing all day often leaves legs heavy and swollen. While many dismiss this as simple fatigue, edema may indicate underlying issues such as poor fluid regulation, excessive sodium intake, or impaired kidney or liver function. Persistent swelling can interfere with blood pressure control and glucose metabolism, underscoring the importance of proactive management.In Korea, traditional remedies like herbal teas have long been used to alleviate edema. Among them, corn silk tea and pumpkin tea stand out, cherished for centuries and now backed by scientific research for their health ben
Healthcare Haeun Oh, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 15:12
Varicose Veins: Symptoms, Treatments, and Management Options for Optimal Care

[Physician's Column] By Jongdeok Park, Director of Seoul Hajeong Surgery Daejeon BranchVaricose veins occur when weakened venous valves cause blood to flow backward and pool in the leg veins. Over time, the veins dilate and thicken, leading to cosmetic concerns as well as pain and swelling. Beyond aesthetic issues, untreated varicose veins can lead to serious complications like skin ulcers or blood clots.Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of venous damage. In early stages, non-surgical approaches such as wearing compression stockings and adopting lifestyle ch
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 15:08
Traditional Korean Medicine Offers Holistic Approach to Obesity Treatment

[Physician's Column] By Mankee Hwang, MD, PhD, Kibon Korean Medicine ClinicToday, obesity is recognized not just as a cosmetic concern but as a serious medical condition. Obesity is closely linked to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, making proactive management and treatment essential. Although multiple diet and treatment options are available, Western anti-obesity medications often pose significant risks of side effects. For example, certain medications have been linked to risks such as pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, underscoring the need for careful decision-making by bot
Healthcare Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 15:05
Laryngeal Cancer: A Common Head and Neck Malignancy Linked to Smoking and Alcohol

Laryngeal cancer, a malignant tumor affecting the larynx where the vocal cords are located, ranks among the most prevalent forms of head and neck cancer. According to data from South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, approximately 8,900 patients sought treatment for laryngeal cancer in 2022, with over 90% being male.Dr. Young-chang Lim, a professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at Konkuk University Hospital, emphasized the strong correlation between laryngeal cancer and lifestyle factors. “The vast majority of laryngeal cancer patients have a history of sm
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 15:03
Celltrion Bolsters Vietnam Presence with Expanded Biologics Portfolio for Autoimmune and Cancer Treatments

HANOI, Vietnam — South Korean biopharmaceutical giant Celltrion is making significant inroads into Vietnam, a key emerging market in ASEAN, by expanding its portfolio of autoimmune disease and oncology treatments, the company announced.Since opening its Vietnam subsidiary in 2024, Celltrion has introduced two key biosimilars: Remsima (infliximab) in June and Herzuma (trastuzumab) in August. It has since secured a one-year supply contract with Vietnam’s largest military hospital and a two-year tender to supply Herzuma to medical institutions in the south-central region. Celltrion is also gear
Medicine Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 14:58
Adult Tic Disorders on the Rise in South Korea: Causes, Challenges, and New Treatment Approaches

[Physician's Column] By Chung-gu No, Director of Brain Medical CenterIn recent years, South Korea has seen a steady increase in adults seeking medical attention for tic disorders, conditions often mistaken for simple habits. Symptoms such as frequent eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, throat clearing, or lip tremors may seem harmless, but they can indicate a chronic neurological disorder linked to central nervous system dysfunction. Early recognition and proper management are critical to addressing these disorders effectively.Though commonly associated with childhood, tic disorders can persist
Healthcare Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.28 14:53
South Korea’s Xafty Antiviral Gains US Spotlight at RRPV Summit

Xafty, a broad-spectrum antiviral candidate from South Korea’s Hyundaibioscience, has secured an official invitation to present its clinical findings and development roadmap at the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) annual meeting, convened by U.S. health authorities on August 26-27 in Washington, D.C.This invitation goes beyond a routine presentation—it signals formal recognition from a U.S. health authority consortium and has drawn global attention. The RRPV program, aimed at addressing public health emergencies like pandemics, supports technology showcases, project alignment, and a
Medicine Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:53
ShinShin Pharmaceutical Supports Papua New Guinea Medical Mission with Essential Drug Donations

SEOUL, South Korea — ShinShin Pharmaceutical, a leading South Korean pharmaceutical company, announced on August 26 that it had donated essential medical supplies to support a humanitarian mission by the nonprofit MGU in Papua New Guinea. The effort was carried out under the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative, "ShinShin H2O Life."The medical outreach took place from July 20 to 26 in Kimbe, New Britain Island, a region of Papua New Guinea where healthcare infrastructure is severely limited. A team of 33 medical professionals participated, delivering care to local residents.
Doctor & Hospital Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:50
Surge in Diabetes Among South Korea’s Youth: Alarming Trends Revealed in New Study

SEOUL, South Korea — A large-scale study by South Korea’s National Institute of Health (NIH), under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), has identified a sharp rise in diabetes among individuals under 30, with marked disparities across socioeconomic groups. Published in an international peer-reviewed journal, the study analyzed clinical and epidemiological data from 2008 to 2021, underscoring a public health challenge that requires urgent attention.The incidence of type 2 diabetes in people under 30 rose 2.2 times, from 27.6 to 60.5 cases per 100,000. Even more striking, i
Policy Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:48
What Causes Gray Hair and Foods That May Help Delay It

Gray hair is often considered a sign of aging, but it does not result from age alone. Stress, lifestyle habits, and scalp conditions also play a substantial role, particularly in premature graying among younger individuals. As early-onset gray hair becomes increasingly common, interest in prevention and management has grown. This article explores the causes of gray hair and the foods that may help slow its progression.Why Gray Hair Appears: More Than Just AgeHair color is determined by melanin, a pigment produced by melanocytes in hair follicles. With age, these cells gradually lose their abil
Healthcare Haeun Oh, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:45
Hallym University Medical Center Hospitals Excel in 2023 Breast and Liver Cancer Assessments

SEOUL, South Korea — All four hospitals affiliated with Hallym University Medical Center—Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, and Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital—achieved top results in the 2023 breast and liver cancer care assessments (second-cycle, first-round) conducted by South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA).The latest evaluation reflected shifts in cancer care—such as diversified treatment approaches and rising long-term survival rates—and introduced a comprehensive overhaul of its metri
Doctor & Hospital Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:40
Dieting Success Can Alter Facial Appearance: Solutions from Makeup to Surgery

Many people who lose weight through dieting may find their facial appearance less satisfying than expected. As facial fat decreases, features such as the cheekbones and jawline can appear more prominent, sometimes giving the face a sharper or wider appearance.How Weight Loss Affects Facial ContoursWhen subcutaneous fat decreases, facial contours become more defined. Prominent cheekbones or a sharp jawline may become more pronounced, particularly in individuals with naturally angular bone structures. Reduced skin elasticity can also make the midface appear hollow or create uneven facial contour
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:38
Preserving Natural Teeth: The Cornerstone of Modern Dental Care

In the field of dentistry, the guiding principle remains clear: preserve natural teeth whenever possible. Although dental implants and prosthetic technologies have advanced considerably, the unique value of natural teeth—integral parts of the human body—remains unmatched by any artificial substitute.Natural teeth are firmly anchored to the jawbone and gums, with living nerves that provide detailed sensory feedback on food texture and temperature. They also play a critical role in distributing chewing forces evenly across the jaw, supporting bone health. Dental implants, while the closest app
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:34
South Korea Faces Rising Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Cases in Young Children, August 2025

SEOUL, South Korea — The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) has issued an urgent advisory, urging strict preventive measures in childcare and educational settings, as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have surged since May KDCA data from the 33rd week of 2025 (August 10–16) show an incidence rate of 26.7 suspected HFMD cases per 1,000 people—a sharp increase from 1.5 per 1,000 in late May (21st week). The increase is most notable among infants and children aged 0–6 years, with a rate of 36.4 per 1,000, compared to 7.1 per 1,000 for those aged 7–18 years. HFMD, an
Policy Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:31
GC Green Cross Submits Phase 3 Trial Plan for Two-Dose Varicella Vaccine in Thailand

SEOUL, South Korea — GC Green Cross, a major South Korean pharmaceutical firm, announced on August 27 that it had filed a Phase 3 clinical trial application with Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration for its varicella vaccine, Varicella-Z. This is the first time a South Korean drugmaker has progressed to a Phase 3 trial for a two-dose varicella vaccine regimen.The trial will enroll 474 children aged 12 months to 12 years and directly compare Varicella-Z with Merck & Co.’s Varivax, a widely used varicella vaccine. This head-to-head evaluation is designed to objectively assess the competiti
Medicine Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 15:23
How Maternal BMI and Weight Gain Shape Newborn Gut Microbiome Composition

A research team led by Dr. Ki Hyun Cho, a professor of pediatrics at Kangwon National University Hospital in South Korea, has found that a mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain play a significant role in determining the composition of a newborn’s gut microbiome. Published in the January 2025 issue of Microbial Ecology, the study highlights how maternal weight influences the early microbial environment essential for infant health.The study examined meconium samples from 71 newborns collected within five days of birth at Kangwon National University Hospital a
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 11:23
South Korean ‘MUTE-Seq’ Liquid Biopsy Technology Transforms Cancer Detection

SEOUL, South Korea — A team led by Professors Jun Seok Hur and Sung Ho Lee at Korea University Anam Hospital, in partnership with South Korean biotech company GeneCker Co., Ltd., has unveiled ‘MUTE-Seq,’ a pioneering liquid biopsy technology. This method achieves highly sensitive detection of trace cancer mutations in blood samples, providing a promising advance for early cancer diagnosis and monitoring.Liquid biopsy, a non-invasive method for analyzing cancer-related genetic material in blood, has long struggled to identify minute cancer mutations obscured by normal DNA signals. Conventi
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 11:20
Echocardiography Predicts Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients, Study Finds

SEOUL, South Korea — A new study from Asan Medical Center in Seoul has revealed that echocardiography, a common diagnostic tool, can do more than assess heart function—it can also predict quality of life in patients with heart failure. The research, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School, was recently published in the European Journal of Heart Failure.Led by Dr. Samineh Eisa, a cardiologist at Asan Medical Center, the research team analyzed data from 406 heart failure patients whose left ventricular ejection fraction was 40% or less. The study
Healthcare Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.27 11:13
How Skin-Boosting Treatments Combat Dry Weather Damage and Aging

[Physician's Column] By Juhyung Lee, MD, Blively Clinic, Gimpo BranchDry weather weakens the skin barrier and disrupts the balance of moisture and oil. This loss of hydration ultimately exacerbates common signs of skin aging, including reduced elasticity and wrinkle formation.Skin-booster treatments and other anti-aging procedures are among the most effective solutions. These treatments work to restore a healthy skin barrier, with the efficacy of skin boosters varying depending on the product and technique used.One notable option is JuveLook, a collagen-stimulating treatment that combines biod
Healthcare Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM 2025.08.25 12:26