Ock MS, et al.

This qualitative study examined the firsthand experiences of 15 healthcare workers in Ulsan, Korea, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants described confusion, emotional fatigue, and lack of policy support in managing the crisis, alongside efforts to adapt and persevere. The study revealed systemic gaps in local public health infrastructure, particularly the need for trained personnel and sustainable funding. These insights emphasize the importance of a proactive and professionalized public health system for future outbreaks.

Park SH, et al.

This retrospective analysis of 210 surgically resected pituitary tumors applied the updated WHO5 classification, offering a comprehensive picture of PitNET subtypes. SF1-lineage tumors were most common, and lactotroph tumors were notably absent due to prior medical therapy. Two metastatic cases highlighted the aggressive behavior of select tumors and limitations in predictive grading. The study underlines discrepancies between serological and immunohistochemical findings and calls for more long-term data to validate prognostic models.

Park TK, et al.

This genetic study evaluated 100 Korean patients with clinically diagnosed RP using whole-exome sequencing. Causative variants were identified in 60% of cases, most commonly in USH2A, EYS, and RP1 genes. In several cases, genetic results led to reclassification of the diagnosis, revealing conditions like choroideremia and Bietti’s crystalline dystrophy. The findings emphasize the role of exome sequencing in refining diagnoses and improving our understanding of inherited retinal disorders in the Korean population.

Sheen SH, et al.

This nationwide survey examined human resources and treatment practices at hospitals in Korea’s Acute Stroke Quality Assessment Program. Neurosurgeons played central roles in both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke care. Yet, many hospitals lacked specialists for critical procedures like IA thrombectomy or aneurysm clipping. The findings point to high workload burdens and systemic gaps in specialist availability, particularly in hemorrhagic stroke care, for which no specific assessment metrics currently exist.

Cheong HJ, et al.

This study proposes an active surveillance system to monitor adverse events of special interest (AESI) related to non-National Immunization Program (non-NIP) vaccines in South Korea. Reviewing 860 hospitalized patients from five hospitals, 16 had received non-NIP vaccines. One case of preeclampsia was possibly linked to Tdap vaccination. Though limited in scale, the study demonstrates the feasibility of retrospective vaccine safety monitoring. A centralized vaccination registry and standardized data model are recommended to improve accuracy and responsiveness of future surveillance systems.

Hong ST, et al.

Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is linked to cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and classified as a Group 1 biological carcinogen by the IARC. This review summarizes epidemiological, experimental, and molecular evidence supporting its carcinogenicity. Studies show a strong association between clonorchiasis and CCA, with synergistic effects observed with nitrosamines. In vitro models reveal oncogenic signaling, cell cycle disruption, and altered intercellular communication. C. sinensis is a major contributor to CCA in Korea, and targeted elimination is recommended by the WHO by 2030.