John Linton elected 32nd president of Korean Red Cross

John Linton, 66, a former professor at Yonsei University's International Medical Center, has been elected the 32nd president of the Korean Red Cross.

The Korean Red Cross said Sunday that its central committee voted to elect Linton to the post.

Born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Linton was chosen for his extensive experience in clinical medicine, public health and humanitarian work — including efforts to combat tuberculosis in North Korea and provide medical equipment there. He is expected to lead the organization's blood services, hospital operations, disaster relief and international humanitarian cooperation programs.

Linton earned a bachelor's degree in medicine from Yonsei University and master's and doctoral degrees in medicine from Korea University. In 1991, he became the founding director of Severance Hospital's International Medical Center, laying the groundwork for medical services for foreign patients in South Korea.

In 2012, he became South Korea's first recipient of special naturalization, recognized for his role in developing a Korean-model ambulance. He also served as a 22nd National Assembly member, co-founded the Eugene Bell Foundation and served as the fourth president of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare.

"Under the humanitarian spirit of the Red Cross, I will dedicate myself to leading the Korean Red Cross forward and helping those who have been left behind, drawing on my diverse experience," Linton said upon his election.

Under the Korean Red Cross Organization Act, Linton will begin his three-year term after receiving approval from President Lee Jae Myung, the organization's honorary chairman.