President Moon visits Jung Eun-kyung in person: "Wanted to be with the hardworking staff" (Comprehensive)

Vice Minister Appointment Ceremony, President Unusually Visits On-site to Present... Cheong "Conveyed Congratulations and Encouragement to Staff"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] The reason President Moon Jae-in unusually visited the site in person to present the appointment letter to the Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) was a result reflecting Commissioner Jeong Eun-kyeong's wishes. It was conveyed that she preferred to be with the hardworking staff rather than receiving the appointment letter at the Blue House, and President Moon personally delivered congratulatory and encouraging messages to the employees.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok explained the background during a briefing at the Chuncheon Press Center on the afternoon of the 11th, saying, "The reason President Moon visited the site in person is not only because Commissioner Jeong, who is at the forefront of COVID-19 prevention, could not leave her post, but also because she wanted to be with the hardworking staff rather than at the Blue House."

When President Moon evaluated the roles of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Commissioner Jeong credited other agencies. She said, "The Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH), the Central Disaster Management Headquarters (CDMH), the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and local governments worked with one heart," adding, "the whole-of-government governance system under the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters seems to be a key factor for success. I am grateful to the related ministries."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In response to President Moon's concern about her health, Commissioner Jeong said, "There is no hindrance to my work. I think the CDMH, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and local governments might be fatigued. I am worried about the fatigue of medical personnel as well."

After a conversation with Commissioner Jeong and others, President Moon moved to the CDMH to have a talk with the staff. He said, "You have worked really hard. I am always thankful and sorry," and evaluated, "The CDMH has led the quarantine efforts well to the extent that K-Quarantine is regarded as a model."

President Moon said, "In mid-August, an unexpected outbreak occurred suddenly, which might have caused the CDMH to feel disheartened and mentally exhausted. It is important not to get tired."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, spokesperson Kang shared an anecdote conveyed by one of the attendees at the meeting with President Moon. Kang said, "(One employee) introduced a staff member suffering from heavy workload who had not taken a single day off for four months but was unable to come to work due to a bereavement in the family," adding, "The employee said they wanted to attend the funeral but decided not to because we must set an example in quarantine." This refers to the employee's intention to avoid receiving condolences from colleagues to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.

President Moon said, "Once again, I express my gratitude," adding, "The reason for not getting tired is because of the sense of fulfillment and pride. Because we have overcome the crisis, we have gained global recognition and given the public the belief that following quarantine rules can overcome the crisis."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.