Peter Jongho Na, MD, a staff psychiatrist at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and assistant professor of psychiatry, has been awarded the Dr. Lim Sewon Award by the Korean National Assembly.
The honor recognizes Na’s significant contributions to raising awareness of South Korea’s ongoing suicide crisis and helping shape a national dialogue around this urgent public health issue.
The award was presented as part of the 7th National Assembly Suicide Prevention Awards, an annual ceremony established in 2019 to promote suicide prevention efforts, reduce stigma, and gather nationwide involvement in suicide-prevention efforts.
Hosted at the parliamentary level, the awards highlight individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to saving lives and advancing suicide-prevention initiatives across the country.
This year, the National Assembly Suicide Prevention Forum selected honorees from a wide range of sectors— including legal and policy reform, research, education, public awareness campaigns, and volunteer service. In addition to opening remarks issued by the minister of health and welfare, 10 ministries and two government agencies participated in the ceremony, underscoring the broad, cross-government commitment to addressing suicide as a national priority.
The Dr. Lim Sewon Award carries special significance, commemorating the late Dr. Lim Sewon, a psychiatrist who was tragically killed by a patient in 2018 and who is remembered for his unwavering advocacy for safer and more compassionate mental-health care systems.
Na’s recognition by the Korean National Assembly highlights his sustained efforts to bring evidence-based psychiatric insights into public conversation and policy discussions, contributing to a more informed and proactive national approach to suicide prevention.