In memory of Hyung-Woo Kwak, MD, PhD

It is with immense sadness that the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology announces the passing of Hyung-Woo Kwak, MD, PhD, president-elect of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, vice president of the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society and council member of the Academy of the Asia-Pacific Professors of Ophthalmology, on Jan. 1. In his battle against liver cancer, Kwak had never stopped for a moment leading the advancement of ophthalmology in Korea, the Asia-Pacific region and well beyond.Kwak received his early training in retina at Seoul National University and completed his research fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston in the 1990s. He joined the Department of Ophthalmology of Kyung Hee University School of Medicine in 1986 and was a professor of ophthalmology for more than 30 years and served as chairman from 1997 to 2003. During his tenure, he trained innumerable ophthalmology fellows who now serve as professors in various university hospitals nationwide. Kwak was also a prolific researcher with more than 160 peer-reviewed journal articles. With his pioneering work in retinal research, Kwak was one of the key leaders in the development of the retina subspecialty in Korea, firmly placing Korea on the map of international ophthalmology with worldwide recognition. Kwak was past president of many important professional societies in Korea, including the Korean Retina Society (2006 to 2008), the Korean Ophthalmological Society (2010 to 2012) and the Korea Uveitis Society (2013 to 2015).