Nak Chin Chung MD

Dr. Nak Chin Chung was born on September 3, 1930, in a small rural village in Hwasan-myeon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. As the eldest of six children, he was a dedicated son and an exceptional student who excelled academically.
At the age of 14, his mother, recognizing his potential, sent him to live with his uncle in Taegu, South Korea's third-largest city, to further his education. He attended Taegu High School of Commerce and later graduated from Kyungpook National University School of Medicine in March 1957.
In 1959, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the International Cooperation Agency, making him one of only three scholars selected that year to study in the United States. He pursued a Master's degree in Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley, before returning to South Korea in 1961 to resume his medical practice.
Dr. Chung earned a Ph.D. in Preventive Medicine from Kyungpook National University in 1964. By 1967, at just 37 years old, he was appointed the first director of the Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment Department at the Korean Ministry of Health. Collaborating with provincial agencies, the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF, he played a crucial role in coordinating the treatment of over 100,000 tuberculosis patients in South Korea. His exceptional contributions to public health led to his recruitment by WHO. After further studies in Epidemiology at the University of Hawaii between 1971 and 1972, he served as a tuberculosis consultant for WHO in the Pacific Island Region until 1974.
Seeking a brighter future for his family, Dr. Chung immigrated to the United States in 1974. After finishing his residency in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, he opened the Chung Internal Medicine Clinic in Flushing, New York. He served his community with dedication and compassion until his retirement in 2015 at the age of 85.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Chung was a devoted member of the Korean-American community. He became an elder at the New Brunswick Korean Church in 1975 and later served as an elder at the United Methodist Church of Flushing for over 35 years. He held various leadership roles within the New York Korean community and served for eight years as a member of the Korea Unification Ministry's New York branch. In recognition of his service and dedication, he received numerous awards, including a veteran's medal for his service during the Korean War.
Dr. Chung was also an avid golfer and a beloved member of the Sands Point Golf Club for 30 years. His warm personality and remarkable short game made him a cherished presence on the course.
Above all, he was the pillar of our family, leading with integrity, wisdom, and unwavering love. He was deeply respected and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Dr. Chung is survived by his beloved wife, their three children, five siblings, six grandchildren and their spouses, and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1st at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Cherry Hill NJ, from 10:00am to 11:00am. The Funeral Service will begin promptly at 11:00 am. Burial will be private for the family only at Lakeview Memorial Park.