KDCA Launches 'Digital and Crisis Communication TF' for Proactive Infectious Disease Response

Establishment of a Dedicated Organization
to Block Misinformation and
Strengthen Public Communication

On July 1, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) announced the official launch of the 'Digital and Crisis Communication Task Force (TF)' under the spokesperson's office, aiming to strengthen a proactive communication system in preparation for public health crises such as infectious disease disasters.

Previously, in 2015, when Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) was introduced into Korea, the KDCA established and operated a 'Crisis Communication Officer.' After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the subsequent establishment of the KDCA, the agency also created the position of spokesperson.

A KDCA official explained, "The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of 'crisis communication' to alleviate public anxiety and enhance trust in the government. Based on recommendations from domestic and international experts, which emphasized the need to build crisis response infrastructure and strengthen the government's crisis communication capabilities and organization in preparation for the next pandemic, the TF was established as a dedicated crisis communication organization."

The TF is a temporary organization under the KDCA spokesperson's office and consists of a total of nine members. Going forward, the TF will serve as a communication control tower overseeing official crisis response messaging within the government; prepare for and respond to infodemics (the spread of false information); strengthen digital communication tailored to the public's perspective; analyze public opinion through the operation of a public communication group and perception surveys; and expand cooperative communication systems with relevant ministries, local governments, and experts.

KDCA Commissioner Jee Youngmee stated, "The TF will go beyond simply providing information and will play a key role in fostering social solidarity among the public, the government, and local governments during national disasters such as infectious disease outbreaks."