The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine

Choi: Leading the future of internal medicine: a message from the new editor-in-chief

Editorial: Published online: January 1, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3904/kjim.2025.310; Leading the future of internal medicine: a message from the new editor-in-chief; Jong-Il Choi, MD, PhD, MHS, MSc; Copyright © 2026 The Korean Association of Internal Medicine

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Dear colleagues, members of the Korean Association of Internal Medicine, and global researchers,

It is a profound honor and privilege to introduce myself as the new Editor-in-Chief of the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine (KJIM). At the outset, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Hyoung Chul Oh (the former Editor-in-Chief) and the editorial board members. Their unwavering dedication and leadership have been instrumental in establishing KJIM as a highly respected international journal in the field of internal medicine.

As we open this new chapter, I am committed to preserving the academic excellence of KJIM while proactively embracing the changes required for a new era of medical science. To further enhance our journal’s global impact and clinical relevance, I am pleased to introduce the 'BEE-UP' initiative—a strategic roadmap that will guide our focus for the coming years:

• Bridging Clinical Practice and Health Policy: We will provide a vital platform for evidence-based discussions on healthcare systems and medical ethics, ensuring our research directly informs and improves public health outcomes.
• Embracing Emerging Trends: KJIM will prioritize cutting-edge research, including precision medicine, digital healthcare, and innovative clinical trials that bridge the gap between laboratory bench and patient bedside.
• Enhancing Editorial Efficiency: We are dedicated to streamlining our submission and review processes to provide authors with faster, more constructive, and transparent feedback.
• Upholding Academic Integrity: We will maintain the highest standards of rigorous peer review to ensure that we publish only the most credible and impactful clinical and basic research.
• Promoting Global Reach: By actively seeking diverse international contributions and collaborations, we will expand KJIM’s visibility and foster a global dialogue on internal medicine.

Through these five pillars, we will not only preserve the prestigious legacy of the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine but also propel it toward a more influential and innovative future.

The success of KJIM depends entirely on the active engagement and passion of our authors, reviewers, and readers. I cordially invite you to contribute your finest work and join us in our mission to improve human health through the advancement of internal medicine.

I look forward to working together with all of you to elevate the Korean Journal of Internal Medicine to new heights of excellence.

Sincerely,