Dr. Kyung-Ryul Lee, MD, PhD, is widely recognized as one of Korea’s leading figures in laboratory medicine, precision diagnostics, and global healthcare innovation. A graduate of the College of Medicine and Graduate School of Yonsei University, Dr. Lee envisioned the future of evidence-based medicine (EBM) early in his medical training—long before data-driven precision medicine became central to modern healthcare. While serving as a professor of Laboratory Medicine at Yonsei University, he founded a start-up company and later became the second CEO of SCL Group, transforming it into one of Korea’s most respected diagnostic laboratory organizations with internationally recognized research and clinical capabilities. Under his leadership, SCL has evolved into a comprehensive healthcare group advancing precision diagnostics, digital healthcare platforms, and global medical infrastructure.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Lee is someone who has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of medicine not simply as clinical practice, but as a broader human and global responsibility. I first met Dr. Lee in 2012 during the founding of the World Korean Medical Organization (WKMO), where he served as Executive Vice President. Over the years, I have come to know him as a warm, thoughtful, and deeply supportive leader who has remained committed to mentoring younger generations of Korean physicians and healthcare leaders across the world. He has continuously encouraged global collaboration, education, and broader engagement in international medicine and public health.
His longstanding healthcare initiatives in Mongolia—including establishment of the country’s first automated diagnostic laboratory system and contributions to healthcare modernization—have received broad national recognition. Most recently, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Mongolian Academy of Sciences in recognition of his contributions to healthcare development and international medical collaboration. He currently also serves as President of the Yonsei University Alumni Association, one of Korea’s most influential academic leadership roles, helping shape the future vision and direction of one of Asia’s most historic academic institutions.
Dr. Lee’s contributions have been recognized internationally through numerous honors, including the Order of the Polar Star awarded by the President of Mongolia, Mongolia’s Medical Pioneer Medal, the Minister of Health and Welfare Award, the Minister of Economy and Finance Award, and the Health Equity Award of the New York Health Forum. In 2024, he was also featured as the cover figure of the World Asian Medical Journal (now NexBioHealth).
In this interview with BioHealth, Dr. Lee reflects on SCL Group’s longstanding partnership with Mongolia, the future of diagnostics and precision medicine, and the evolving role of healthcare leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Chul S. Hyun, MD, PhD, MPH