COVID-19 vaccination program in South Korea: A long journey toward a new normal

•It is important to secure effective and safe vaccines as early as possible to fight against COVID-19.•South Korea overcame the early phase of vaccine shortage and quickly expanded vaccination coverage by evidence-based priority setting and transparent information sharing using innovative technologies.•Korea's persistent innovation and prompt adaptation of changing circumstances boosted the vaccination program.•The emergence of virus variants and the waning effect of the vaccines require that Korea initiate a new vaccination program that includes booster shots.