WHO Chief Refused First-Class Flights

The Hankyoreh, a South Korean newspaper known for its focus on social issues and historical figures, presents the life of Lee Jong-wook as an inspiring narrative of dedication to public health and humanitarianism. The article, part of the 'I Am History' series, positions Lee not just as a former WHO Director-General but as a 'second-generation Schweitzer of Asia,' emphasizing his selfless commitment to treating marginalized patients.

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He gave up a stable medical career and went far to Samoa and Fiji to care for Hansen's disease patients, earning the nickname 'Asia's Schweitzer.'

The piece highlights Lee's unconventional path to medicine and his early work with Hansen's disease patients in Korea and abroad, framing his career as one driven by a profound sense of duty rather than personal ambition. His subsequent leadership at the WHO is portrayed as a continuation of this mission, focusing on tangible achievements like the near-eradication of polio and his efforts to combat tuberculosis, particularly his direct engagement with North Korea.

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Because even poor countries pay dues to the World Health Organization, he refused to fly first class.

From the perspective of the Hankyoreh, Lee Jong-wook's refusal to take first-class flights, despite his high position, is presented as a powerful symbol of his integrity and commitment to the principles of global health equity. This detail underscores a narrative of humble service that often resonates with progressive media outlets, contrasting with the perceived excesses of international bureaucracy.

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SARS is the first new disease of the 21st century, but it will not be the last.

The article also connects Lee's foresight regarding emerging infectious diseases, such as SARS and avian flu, to the ongoing challenges of global health, including the COVID-19 pandemic. By recalling his establishment of a 24-hour infectious disease monitoring center, the Hankyoreh implicitly praises Lee's proactive approach and suggests that his legacy continues to be relevant and missed in the face of contemporary health crises. The mention of his overwork leading to his death further solidifies his image as a dedicated public servant who sacrificed his health for the greater good.

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The world has lost a great figure.