‘NMI the best place to make babies’

For couples wanting to have babies, the Northern Marianas is the best place to visit in the Pacific, says a visiting medical doctor from Seoul.

Dr. Chang Kyu Kim, named Tuesday night as CNMI goodwill ambassador for Korea, said the CNMI offers a natural therapeutic environment to relax tired bodies and mind, especially of couples having a hard time conceiving babies.

Kim, a gynecologist and obstetrician, said in a media briefing held yesterday at the Governor’s Office that the CNMI’s clean air, captivating white beaches, and an overall relaxing tropical atmosphere provide the ideal setting for couples to come together and be free from the cares of the world.

“This is the place to go. Couples who come to Saipan or the CNMI can enjoy good sex because your mind and body are relaxed and is not thinking of problems,” said Kim.

He said that detoxification of the body and having a relaxed or “naked” soul and mind are essential to fertilization.

He said both partners need be free from stress to promote conception.

“This is the best place for honeymooners and couples wanting to conceive, and for people who want to live long,” said Kim.

Kim, 50, a graduate of Yonsei University’s Medical College and a scholar researcher at the Center for Human Genetics at Boston University School of Medicine, specializes in prenatal genetic testing and longevity.

In yesterday’s meeting, Kim, a well-known TV talk show personality and author in Korea, said that he would promote the Northern Marianas in his shows, in his books and articles, and in his CDs.

He said he would personally invite many friends to visit the CNMI.

“It’s only four hours away. It’s a very fascinating place because you’ll learn Chamorro culture, American living, and various Asian cultures. You’ve good air, good people, good water,” said Kim.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who bestowed the goodwill ambassador title on Kim, said yesterday that he met the doctor on the plane on his trip home from Beijing last December.

He said he noticed the doctor, who was seated nearby, when the latter ordered milk instead of other drinks. It started their conversation, resulting in the governor inviting the physician to visit Saipan.

“He has a very unique angle in promoting tourism. He captures a special group of people—those who want to make babies here,” said Babauta, smiling. “I really appreciate that.”

Kim, for his part, said he is very honored to have been given the goodwill ambassador title.

“I will mention Saipan and Northern Marianas as the best place to go wherever I go,” he said.

The doctor said that he actually first came to Saipan about 10 years ago and immediately liked it.

Kim is reportedly a popular TV personality in Korea for his non-conservative views on issues relating to sex and pregnancy, longevity, and overall health.

He had served as flight surgeon for the Republic of Korea Army and is working as researcher on the human genome project at Boston University.

Kim’s latest study on diagnosing prenatal chromosomal abnormalities was presented at the 14th International Congress in Amsterdam, where the conference themes were “The Fetus as Patient” and “Fetal Cardiology.”

Kim and his wife, Dr. Jung Soon Park, MD, live in Seoul. They have two grown children.