[WCHR 2026] The “Olympics of Hair Research” Kicks Off with a Gathering of Global Experts
Co-Chairs of the World Congress for Hair Research 2026 (WCHR 2026), Ohsang Kwon (first from left) and Moon-Bum Kim (second from left), together with John T. Seykora, President of the American Hair Research Society (center), and Chang-Hun Huh (first from right), press the ceremonial opening buzzer to officially inaugurate the congress.The World Congress for Hair Research (WCHR) 2026, often described as the “Olympics of Hair Research,” has officially opened in the heart of Seoul with a grand ceremony.Held at COEX in Seoul from May 28 to 31, the four-day congress is widely recognized as the most prestigious international scientific meeting in the fields of hair disorders and hair follicle biology.Organized biennially by the International Federation of Hair Research Societies, the congress marks its 14th edition this year. As a founding member of the federation, the The Korean Hair Research Society has built a strong international collaborative network and successfully brought the event back to Korea for the first time in 12 years since it was held in Jeju in 2014. Three distinguished Korean researchers are serving as Co-Chairs of WCHR 2026: Chang-Hun Huh of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Ohsang Kwon of Seoul National University Hospital, and Moon-Bum Kim of Pusan National University Hospital.Members of the International Federation of Hair Research Societies pose with heart gestures, expressing their hopes for a successful World Congress for Hair Research 2026 (WCHR 2026).This year's congress has drawn the largest attendance in its history. More than 1,700 participants from across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions have gathered in Seoul, underscoring the event’s status as a truly global forum for scientific exchange and collaboration.Reflecting this record-breaking participation, the opening ceremony was more spectacular than ever. The program began with a dynamic performance by the K-Tigers, followed by a presentation highlighting the history of the World Congress for Hair Research and the continuing contributions of the The Korean Hair Research Society. The ceremony served as a meaningful opportunity to showcase and further strengthen Korea’s standing in the field of hair research on the global stage.The K-Tigers delivered a spectacular opening performance for the World Congress for Hair Research 2026 (WCHR 2026), earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.In their welcome remarks, the congress Co-Chairs—Chang-Hun Huh of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Ohsang Kwon of Seoul National University Hospital, and Moon-Bum Kim of Pusan National University Hospital—extended a warm welcome to attendees. They expressed their hope that the congress would serve not only as a platform for meaningful scientific exchange but also as an opportunity for participants to experience the richness and excellence of Korean culture.The ceremony continued with introductions of member societies of the International Federation of Hair Research Societies, including representatives from the United States, Japan, China, Australia, and other countries. Leaders of these organizations also delivered congratulatory remarks, offering their best wishes for a successful and productive congress.Professor Chang-Hun Huh introduced the efforts of The Korean Hair Research Society to bring the World Congress for Hair Research 2026 to Korea. In particular, he highlighted the society’s extensive promotional activities at major international conferences around the world, which played a significant role in increasing global participation in this year’s congress.Professor Won-Soo Lee, Honorary Advisor to The Korean Hair Research Society, then took the audience on a journey through history in a special lecture reviewing the development of both the World Congress for Hair Research and The Korean Hair Research Society.Over the years, The Korean Hair Research Society has actively fostered academic and professional exchanges with leading international experts in hair research, helping to elevate the global standing of Korean hair science. Domestically, the society has worked to improve public awareness of hair loss, emphasizing that it is a medical condition requiring proper diagnosis and treatment. Through initiatives such as the Green Hair Campaign and the Medical Support Campaign for Socially Isolated Patients, the society has extended support to a wide range of individuals—from the general public to underserved patients with limited access to healthcare—demonstrating its commitment to reaching those most in need.Professor Won-Soo Lee vividly recounted the history and evolution of both the World Congress for Hair Research and The Korean Hair Research Society, guiding the audience through the milestones that have shaped the field over the years.The Korean Hair Research Society has also been actively involved in policy advocacy. To raise awareness of severe alopecia areata—a condition far more debilitating than common hair loss—and to improve access to appropriate treatment, the society has collaborated with the media and lawmakers in organizing public forums and policy discussions, while continuing to advocate for meaningful improvements in patient care and support.The audience responded with enthusiastic applause as they reflected on the history of the World Congress for Hair Research and the remarkable journey of The Korean Hair Research Society at its center. United in their hopes, attendees expressed their confidence that this year’s congress would build on that legacy and achieve another successful chapter in the advancement of global hair research.Professor Ji Won Oh presented her research, Beyond Death: Reconstructing Human Organogenesis Through Skin Fibroblast Lineage Tracing Using Post-Mortem Somatic Variants, showcasing the strength and sophistication of Korean biomedical research on the global stage.Following the opening ceremony, Professor Ji Won Oh of Yonsei University delivered a keynote lecture on skin fibroblast lineage tracing using post-mortem somatic variants. The distinguished scholars who remained until the end showed great interest in the compelling research topic and applauded Korea’s accumulated research capabilities.Having opened in grand fashion, the World Congress for Hair Research 2026 (WCHR 2026) will continue its four-day program through May 31.