The government has appointed Hong Seung-kwon, an adjunct professor at Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health, to lead the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), the key agency overseeing health insurance finances and medical quality management.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced Wednesday that Hong will be inaugurated as the 12th president of HIRA on January 13 for a three-year term.
Hong is a medical expert who has worked at Seoul National University Hospital's Information Technology Office and Biomedical Research Institute, as well as Catholic University of Korea's Incheon St. Mary's Hospital. He has also served as chairman of Rokhyang Medical Foundation and president of the Korean Academy of Primary Health Care, gaining extensive experience in both medical practice and policy.
As HIRA president, Hong will oversee the agency's core functions, including reviewing medical fee claims and evaluating the appropriateness of medical services. The position requires both policy expertise and field understanding, as it involves managing health insurance finances while simultaneously assessing healthcare service quality.
The Ministry expects Hong to leverage his medical expertise and experience to ensure stable operations at HIRA, while also contributing to government initiatives such as strengthening regional, essential, and public healthcare and building a sustainable healthcare system.
The appointment followed a recommendation by HIRA's executive nomination committee, nomination by the Health and Welfare Minister, and presidential approval. Hong will oversee all HIRA operations from April 13, 2026 to April 12, 2029.