This year marks a thrilling milestone for the Korean Academy of Periodontology (KAP) as we proudly celebrate 50 years of remarkable achievements in periodontal science and international teamwork! As I reflect on our journey, I can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for New Zealand, a country that has played a notable role in my experiences. My admiration blossomed during my time as a special forces officer, where I witnessed the unwavering commitment of New Zealand’s 6,000 soldiers during the Korean War.1 Their dedication to safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and principles of freedom truly speaks volumes. This appreciation was reignited during a scientific conference I attended in Rotorua, where the breathtaking landscapes captured my heart.

A shining beacon of inspiration for me is the exceptional Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, a soprano whose talent and charisma resonate far beyond the concert stage. I had the privilege of attending her performance at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in December 2007, a moment that was nothing short of transformative.2 Her enchanting voice and magnetic stage presence created an unforgettable experience. I still cherish her warm and engaging words during her 50th birthday concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1994: “Singing is the great joy of my life. Thank you because fifty is nifty!”3 This delightful sentiment not only highlights her zest for life but also offers a refreshing take on aging—that emotional growth often flourishes with time. Research backs this up, showing that older adults tend to experience fewer negative emotions and greater emotional regulation than younger individuals. It’s a testament to the natural evolution of emotional intelligence!

The wisdom of Confucius enriches our understanding of age as a symbol of wisdom and maturity. He believed that by the age of thirty, individuals should have a clear sense of self and career direction; by forty, decisiveness takes over, shedding the indecision of youth; and by fifty, profound understanding and rational insight should guide one’s decisions.4

In many ways, the evolution of KAP beautifully mirrors these life stages. Founded in 1971, KAP began its journey at what we might call our ‘age of thirty’ in the academic world of periodontology. During this time, we launched the Journal of Korean Academy of Periodontology (JKAP), which aimed to provide a credible foundation of knowledge within our field. As KAP matured into its ‘forties,’ our journal blossomed into a beacon of impartiality, embracing both periodontology and implantology while reinforcing our role as a trusted source of scientific information.

Approaching our milestone 50th year, we recognized the vital need for international dialogue to nurture growth and ensure our relevance. This insight culminated in the transformation of JKAP into the Journal of Periodontal & Implant Science (JPIS), which marks a significant evolution of our mission. This exciting change not only expanded our audience but also opened the door to invaluable contributions from a diverse array of researchers, ultimately enhancing the quality and impact of our scientific discussions. Our presence in esteemed databases like KoreaMed, Synapse, KoMCI, Crossref, and Google Scholar has further solidified our credibility and outreach.

A recent achievement that fills us with pride is JPIS’s inclusion in PubMed and PubMed Central this past May. This significant milestone elevates our global visibility and acknowledges the high caliber of our published work, creating greater access for researchers and clinicians worldwide keen on advancing their understanding of periodontal science.

In this celebratory issue, I wholeheartedly invite you to explore the five original articles and two case reports we are excited to present. Each piece highlights the remarkable contributions and ongoing advancements that define our field. As we commemorate KAP’s noteworthy journey over these past fifty years, let us join together to celebrate this extraordinary milestone with gratitude and enthusiasm: “Thank God—fifty is nifty!”

https://doi.org/10.5051/jpis.2010.40.3.103