Departing Jeong Eun-kyeong, Director of KDCA, "Honored to Have Contributed to Overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic"

Thanking and Encouraging Employees at the Farewell Ceremony on the Afternoon of the 17th
"KDCA Emphasizes Scientific Expertise as the Core of the Agency"

Director Jeong Eun-kyung, who is leaving the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, is taking a commemorative photo with employees after completing a private farewell ceremony on the 17th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Jeong Eun-kyung (57), Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), stepped down as the head of 'K-Quarantine,' leaving behind the words, "It has been a great honor and fulfillment to contribute to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing disease control."

Jeong, who fought on the front lines throughout the battle against COVID-19, held a farewell ceremony on the afternoon of the 17th following the appointment of Professor Baek Kyung-ran of Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine as the new KDCA Commissioner. At the private ceremony, staff presented Commissioner Jeong with letters, videos, and bouquets expressing their gratitude.

Reflecting on her nearly 4 years and 10 months as head of the agency, Commissioner Jeong said, "It has been a great honor and fulfillment for me to contribute to overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing disease control. Although there were many shortcomings, I sincerely thank all those who have always encouraged me."

She expressed special gratitude to the staff who worked alongside her. Commissioner Jeong stated, "There were many difficult moments during the COVID-19 crisis, but thanks to your sense of mission, passion, dedication, and hard work, we overcame the crisis together. As the pandemic continues, I feel heavy-hearted leaving behind such a heavy burden."

She continued, "Our decisions and judgments have greatly impacted the lives and safety of the people, making the KDCA's responsibilities immense. The public's gaze and expectations are burdensome and heavy. While carrying this heavy responsibility, I urge you to have more confidence, encourage one another, and believe that we will overcome the COVID-19 crisis together. I will support you."

Commissioner Jeong particularly emphasized, "The KDCA is a central administrative agency that centers on scientific expertise. The public's trust and leadership in the health and medical field come from our professionalism," highlighting the importance of individual staff capabilities as well as the agency's policy and research development.

After the farewell ceremony, Commissioner Jeong spent about two hours visiting department offices across several buildings, personally greeting all employees. Before leaving the KDCA building, she suggested performing the 'Deokbune' (덕분에) sign language gesture while taking commemorative photos with senior staff.

In closing, Commissioner Jeong said, "I offer my respect and gratitude to the public who actively participated in quarantine and vaccination efforts to overcome the COVID-19 crisis that has lasted over two years, and I bow my head in thanks to healthcare workers and quarantine officials for their dedication and hard work."

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