The driving force behind my work has been the urgent question: How can we uncover medical knowledge faster to prevent unnecessary suffering and loss of life?
Dr. Kang Sung-ji, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Welt, attributes his unique career trajectory—from Yonsei University Medical School to Samsung Electronics and now entrepreneurship—to his unwavering passion for advancing medical science.
Speaking at the MEeT 2026 medical technology conference in Seoul on September 10, Dr. Kang addressed the common query about why a physician would venture into the corporate world.
A tech enthusiast since his medical school days, Dr. Kang’s journey began with an early graduation from the prestigious Minjok Leadership Academy, followed by a medical degree from Yonsei University. After fulfilling his public health service with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, he joined Samsung Electronics during the development of Samsung Health. Ultimately, he chose entrepreneurship to pursue his vision of integrating medicine and technology on his own terms.
At Samsung, success was measured by phone sales, Dr. Kang explained. He founded his own company to fully dedicate myself to medical research and innovation.
Welt has evolved from its initial smart belt product to focus on digital therapeutics. Dr. Kang envisions the future of healthcare as a convergence of digital health and pharmaceuticals, coining the term digital pharmaceuticals.
Since 2019, Welt has partnered with Handok. From the first meeting, it shared a common vision, Dr. Kang noted. It believes in collaborating with companies that align with the mission and values.
Dr. Kang emphasizes industry-wide progress over individual success. Even if we fail, someone must succeed, paving the way for future innovations, he stated. It needs more competitors to drive the industry forward. The goal isn’t just to grow a single business, but to elevate the entire field.
AI: The Game-Changer in Healthcare, Guiding Physicians
Dr. Kang identifies artificial intelligence (AI) as the next revolutionary force in digital health. AI has the potential to transform every industry, he asserted. When integrated with existing healthcare systems, AI can become an invaluable decision-support tool for medical professionals.
He likens AI’s role to that of a global positioning system (GPS) navigation system. If medical textbooks and research papers are the map, AI can process real-time patient data to provide actionable insights, much like a GPS guides drivers.
However, Dr. Kang stresses the importance of developing AI solutions that are practical and applicable in real-world healthcare settings.
Welt is also preparing for a potential initial public offering (IPO). It’s aiming for readiness by next year, but timing is crucial, Dr. Kang stated. It’s more focused on choosing the right moment than rushing to go public.
Dr. Kang’s vision extends far beyond Welt’s success. He’s driven by the fundamental question that inspired him as a physician: Why don’t we know more? His goal is to leverage digital technology and AI to find answers.
He dreams of a future where it can manage aging as a treatable condition, Dr. Kang concluded. A world where our ability to overcome diseases outpaces mortality rates.