"White Hair, Frugal Business Expenses, and Diligence"… Scenes Left Behind by Departing Jeong Eun-gyeong

'Corona Warrior' Jeong Eun-kyeong Concludes 1 Year 8 Months Term
Recognized for Laying Foundations of K-Quarantine with 3T and Drive-Thru Testing
Calm Demeanor, Diligence, and Frugality Leave Strong Impression on Public
Departs After Farewell with Staff Without Separate Retirement Ceremony

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

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Park] Jung Eun-kyung (57), the Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), who fought on the front lines of COVID-19 prevention, is concluding her eventful term and stepping down. As a symbol of the Moon Jae-in administration's quarantine policy, she was sometimes targeted by political attacks, including accusations of so-called 'political quarantine.' However, her short haircut gradually turning gray, her modest business expense reports showing meals consisting of kimbap and lunch boxes, left a deep impression on the public.

On the 17th, President Yoon Suk-yeol appointed Professor Baek Kyung-ran of Samsung Seoul Hospital as Jung’s successor and the first KDCA Commissioner of the new administration. With this, Jung concludes her 1 year and 8 months term as KDCA Commissioner.

Jung, a medical doctor, entered public service in 1995 through a special recruitment at the National Institute of Health. She has held positions such as Director of Emergency Medical Services at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director of Chronic Disease Division at the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), Director of the Disease Prevention Center, and Director of the Emergency Situation Center. During the 2015 MERS outbreak, she dedicated herself to crisis management but was disciplined by the Board of Audit and Inspection for responsibility in quarantine failures. Later, former President Moon Jae-in appointed her as Director of the KCDC in July 2017.

Jung is recognized as the architect of the foundation of 'K-Quarantine.' She established the 3T strategy (Test-Trace-Isolate-Treat), quickly identifying and isolating confirmed cases. Notably, she developed Korea’s quarantine system including drive-through testing, QR code-based electronic entry logs, and community treatment centers for asymptomatic and mild patients. Based on these achievements, the KCDC was elevated to the KDCA in September 2020, and Jung was appointed as its inaugural Commissioner. That same year, she was named one of the BBC’s '100 Women of the Year' and Time magazine’s '100 Most Influential People in the World.'

Since January last year, she has led the new challenge of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination. The low fatality rate and a high vaccination rate approaching 80% are recognized as results of her efforts.

Jung’s characteristic diligence and dedication became a symbol of overcoming COVID-19. Her humble yet calm and composed demeanor, increasing gray hair, and worn-out shoes became topics among the public. In July last year, her modest use of business expenses was highlighted when records showed only inexpensive and simple meals such as kimbap, lunch boxes, and bread.

As a symbol of the Moon administration’s quarantine efforts, she faced political attacks labeled as 'political quarantine.' Controversies grew around vaccine procurement, adverse reactions to vaccinations, and the quarantine pass system. Jung spoke out on these issues only on the last day of her term. On that morning, attending a full session of the Health and Welfare Committee, she responded to the question, “Have you conducted political quarantine over the past two years?” by saying, “We have implemented scientific quarantine.” She added, “Vaccines and treatments are based on clinical trials and evidence-based policies, while social distancing and social policies involve social consensus and political judgment, so it is not appropriate to dichotomize them.”

Throughout her term, she maintained a humble attitude, and even her farewell was modest. Jung left without a separate farewell ceremony or event, exchanging the sign language gesture for 'Thank you' with staff before departing. In her farewell remarks, she said, “We faced many difficult moments during the COVID-19 pandemic, but we overcame the crisis together,” and encouraged staff, “Although the outbreak is ongoing and I feel heavy leaving behind a heavy burden, I believe the experience, knowledge, and sense of duty we have accumulated will overcome the COVID-19 crisis.” Finally, Jung said, “Decisions and judgments greatly affect the lives and safety of the people, so the responsibility of the KDCA has become immense,” and urged, “The public’s gaze and expectations may feel burdensome and heavy, but while carrying this responsibility seriously, have more confidence.”