Remembering Dr. Woo Suk-kyun, the 'doctor of the streets'

Dr. Woo Suk-kyun, a prominent figure in South Korea's public health and labor activism circles, has passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with stomach cancer. For over two decades, Dr. Woo led the Seongsu Clinic in Seoul, a practice renowned for its dedication to serving low-income workers and advocating for their health and rights. His passing was mourned by colleagues, fellow activists, and the many patients whose lives he touched.

“

He was a doctor who, even while treating patients in the city, would rush to the clinic after giving a speech at a demonstration against the war.

Dr. Woo's career was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and accessible healthcare. He took over the Seongsu Clinic in 2001, transforming it into a hub for labor organizing and a provider of essential health services for workers in small businesses. The clinic often served as a meeting place for union members and a site for free health screenings, reflecting Dr. Woo's belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Woo was a vocal advocate on critical public health issues. He actively participated in campaigns against mad cow disease and the South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), lending his expertise to movements opposing the commercialization of health and food. Even during his illness, he continued to serve patients until the clinic's closure, a testament to his unwavering dedication.

“

He was a doctor who, even while treating patients in the city, would rush to the clinic after giving a speech at a demonstration against the war.

His passing leaves a void in the community he served. Colleagues remember his passionate engagement in social movements, his meticulous approach to patient care, and his ability to balance activism with the daily demands of running a clinic. Dr. Woo's legacy is not only in the medical care he provided but in his tireless efforts to create a more just and equitable society, embodying the spirit of a true 'doctor of the streets.'

“

He was a doctor who, even while treating patients in the city, would rush to the clinic after giving a speech at a demonstration against the war.