Dr Lee Gil-ya, president of Gachon University in Seongnam, South Korea, has become an internet sensation at the age of 93. Born in 1932, she is widely admired for her youthful appearance, clear skin, active lifestyle, and continued involvement in education and healthcare.
A recent video released by Gachon University showed Dr Lee confidently discussing artificial intelligence. Viewers praised her upright posture, healthy hair, and glowing complexion. Some users jokingly asked if she was a vampire, referencing her age-defying looks.
Dr Lee previously attracted media attention in 2023 when she danced with students at a university festival. She performed PSY’s “horse dance” and received enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
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‘Do Ordinary Things Consistently’: Lee’s Daily Routine for Staying Young
In an interview with Chosun Daily, Dr Lee attributed her youthful condition to doing “very ordinary things” consistently.
She follows a daily routine, avoids alcohol and smoking, drinks tea instead of coffee, and consumes 1.5 litres of water each day.
She keeps a humidifier running in her room and undergoes regular laser treatments at a dermatology clinic. She also advised others to avoid stimulants and manage stress.
From Childhood Inspiration to Medical Pioneer and Philanthropist
As a child, Lee saw many poor people die without proper medical care, which inspired her to become a doctor.
She studied at Seoul National University College of Medicine and later continued her education in the United States and Japan.
In 1958, she opened a gynaecology clinic and adopted a no-deposit policy to help patients who could not afford treatment.
Known for her care and attention, Lee would warm her stethoscope with body heat to avoid startling patients with cold metal. She often reminded young doctors and students to “treat patients with your heart and practise medicine with compassion”.
One of South Korea’s first female doctors, Lee founded Gil Hospital in 1978 and later opened Gachon Medical School at the age of 65, offering free tuition and housing. She went on to merge several schools into Gachon University, where she has served as president since 2012.
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Now leading the country’s largest public interest foundation, Lee is known for her charitable work, including free heart surgery for 432 children from 17 countries and free uterine cancer examinations for women.
In 2013, Forbes named her one of Asia’s 48 “Heroes of Philanthropy”.
Lee has never married and has no children. “My patients and students are my husband and children,” she said.
Dr Lee’s story has resonated on social media. One user wrote that her youthful appearance reflects a life of selflessness.
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Another person wrote: “Her real achievement is not just looking young. Born in a time when women were expected to marry, she chose education, built hospitals, and devoted herself to teaching. That is truly inspiring.”
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