"Nonstop Calls from 5 a.m., Already on My Third Large Notebook"...Kang Yujeong Develops Alopecia Not Even Experienced During Childbirth

Flood of Calls from Early Morning...
"Feels Like a Presidential Office Call Center"
"A Job That Follows Like a Chronicler"
Expressing Satisfaction with the Role

Presidential Office spokesperson Kang Yujeong candidly shared her experiences, discussing the intensity of her work, personal hardships, and the sense of fulfillment she finds in her role.

A photo of Kang Yujeong, the spokesperson, giving a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office building on the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News

On September 10, Kang appeared on the Presidential Office YouTube series "Jaemp's Aides," where she said, "I'm really busy," and revealed, "I developed alopecia areata for the first time in my life, something I never experienced even during childbirth or raising a child." She continued, "There seems to be a total amount of hardship and tight living one can endure, and I feel like I'm reaching that limit now," adding, "If I had known it would be this grueling, I might have reconsidered."

The video showed Kang's daily routine broken down by the minute. She explained, "When I wake up at 5 a.m., reporters start calling nonstop from 6:30 a.m. I receive dozens of calls just in the morning. Reporters say it's like registering for classes, and I myself feel like I'm running a call center for the Presidential Office." Even during filming, as calls kept coming in, she joked, "This is the ever-operating 'Yujeong Call Center.'"

"A Job That Follows Like a Chronicler" ...Expressing Satisfaction as Spokesperson

Spokesperson Kang Yujeong appearing in the series "Jaemp's Aides" on President Lee Jae-myung's YouTube channel. President Lee Jae-myung YouTube

The heavy workload was also evident in her use of notebooks. Kang said, "I'm now on my third notebook. If you count the small ones, it's even more," explaining, "Most of it is filled with the President's remarks or meeting notes, and sometimes I even write a diary."

Before briefings, Kang was seen constantly revising her script. She said, "If I notice that something important is missing or there’s a point from the President that needs more emphasis, I keep editing until the very last moment." While touching up her makeup and checking her appearance, she added, "The comments about my looks are overwhelming at times, but I take it as a sign of interest."

Expressing satisfaction with her role, Kang stated, "My naturally curious personality fits well with the spokesperson position. I record almost all of the President's schedules and decisions. In terms of the Joseon Dynasty, it's like serving as a chronicler."

She also shared how things have changed since the recent South Korea-U.S. summit. Kang said, "My husband told me, 'You must be enjoying your work now. The way you struggle is different,'" adding with a laugh, "The courage to give it my all seems to be the driving force behind my work."

Finally, she expressed her hope, saying, "Rather than being remembered as someone who spoke well or was smart, I want to be remembered as a spokesperson who wisely made choices and responded as a buffer between people."