ASCAPAP 2026 Successfully Held in Seoul, Korea: Advancing Global Collaboration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
By: Hee Jeong Yoo, MD, PhD,1 Johanna Inhyang Kim, MD, PhD2
1 Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Chair of the Scientific Committee of ASCAPAP 2026, President of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (KACAP)
2 Department of Psychiatry, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Chair of the General Affairs Committee of ASCAPAP 2026
The 12th Congress of the Asian Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (ASCAPAP, President Takashi Okada) was successfully held from April 2 to 4, 2026, at COEX in Seoul, Korea. Hosted by the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (KACAP, President Hee Jeong Yoo), this congress marked the second time that Korea has hosted the ASCAPAP congress since 1999.
Endorsed by the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP), ASCAPAP 2026 was jointly held with the KACAP Spring Conference, creating strong academic synergy and offering an enriched scientific program.
The congress welcomed a remarkable total of 820 participants from 30 countries, bringing together distinguished researchers, clinicians, and mental health professionals from across the Asia-Pacific region as well as North America and Europe. The congress served as a vibrant platform for global exchange and collaboration in the field of child and adolescent mental health.
The Opening Ceremony set an inspiring tone for the congress, featuring a Keynote Lecture by the President of the ASCAPAP 2026 Organizing Committee, Professor Bung-Nyun Kim. His lecture introduced a wide range of cutting-edge research in neurodevelopmental disorders, including digital therapeutics, digital phenotyping, and AI-based early diagnostic technologies. A particularly meaningful moment was the presentation of the ASCAPAP Contribution Award to Professor Kang-E Hong (Professor Emeritus, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea), in recognition of his lifelong dedication and outstanding contributions to the advancement of child and adolescent psychiatry and to the development of ASCAPAP.
ASCAPAP 2026 offered a rich and comprehensive scientific program, consisting of six plenary sessions, 42 symposia, two workshops, six research sessions, five poster sessions, and a grand forum. A total of 391 presentations were delivered across 66 sessions, during which participants actively shared cutting-edge research findings and clinical insights. The presence of distinguished international leaders, including Dr. Tammy Benton and Dr. Luis Rohde, further enriched the academic exchange and strengthened global partnerships. Furthermore, the congress fostered dynamic discussions on critical issues in child and adolescent mental health.
Figure 1: ASCAPAP 2026 Congress Session Room
Figure 2: ASCAPAP Executive Committee Members on April 2, 2026
Figure 3: Keynote Lecture by Congress President
Figure 4: ASCAPAP Contribution Award Presented to Prof. Kang-E Hong
Figure 5: Plenary Lecture by Luis Rohde, President of IACAPAP |
Figure 6: Poster Presentation
A highlight of the congress program was the 'Grand Forum', thoughtfully planned by the ASCAPAP 2026 Scientific Committee. The forum focused on the recent global rise in adolescent suicide and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), bringing together integrated perspectives across research, clinical practice, social systems, and policy. Through these multidisciplinary discussions, participants reaffirmed the urgent need for closer and more organic collaboration between academia and society to develop effective and sustainable solutions.
In addition, a special symposium was held to explore the relationship between Korean popular culture (K-culture) and youth mental health. The session provided a meaningful opportunity to examine how culture can serve as a protective factor for young people’s mental well-being and contribute to the formation of identity, featuring a renowned Korean actor who delivered a talk and shared his insights and experiences. Overall, the program offered a valuable opportunity to showcase the broad academic spectrum of ASCAPAP and its vital engagement with the wider community.
Figure 7: Panel Discussion at the Grand Forum
Figure 8: K-Culture and Mental Health - Featuring a Renowned Korean Actor
Figure 9: Congress Report by Scientific Committee Chair
Figure 10: Presentation of the Prof. Ahn’s Travel Grant
At the Closing Ceremony, Professor Bung-Nyun Kim, President of the ASCAPAP 2026 Organizing Committee, delivered the closing remarks, followed by a summary report of the congress presented by Professor Hee Jeong Yoo, Chair of the Scientific Committee. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Best Research Award and Best Poster Award.
In addition, the Prof. Ahn’s Travel Grant, generously established by Professor Dong Hyun Ahn (Professor Emeritus, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Korea), was awarded to 15 participants to support attendance by professionals from low- and middle-income countries. Finally, Professor Susan Shur-Fen Gau of Taiwan introduced the upcoming ASCAPAP 2027 congress and warmly invited participants to reconvene in Taiwan, bringing ASCAPAP 2026 to a successful close.
This article represents the view of its author(s) and does not necessarily represent the view of the IACAPAP's bureau or executive committee.
