Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, marked his 100th day in office on the 9th by visiting a fire station in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province to encourage firefighters, and volunteering at a shelter for abandoned dogs.
Amid growing controversy over discord between the Democratic Party and the presidential office regarding the so-called 'trial suspension law' (an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act) for sitting presidents, with the presidential office strongly opposing the party’s push, Jeong chose to forgo the customary 100-day press conference and instead took a more humble approach by engaging in on-site activities.
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is greeting firefighters on the 9th at the Baekam 119 Safety Center of the Yongin Fire Station in Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson, explained that Jeong decided not to hold a '100-day press briefing,' saying, "Since taking office, Jeong has devoted himself fully every single day to supporting the Lee Jaemyung administration, and today he expressed his desire to spend 'another day like that.'"
In the afternoon, Jeong visited the Baekam 119 Safety Center at the Yongin Fire Station in Gyeonggi Province. The visit, coinciding with the 63rd Firefighters’ Day, was intended to listen to the challenges faced by firefighters. He stated, "Firefighters are responsible for the lives and safety of the people, so the state must take responsibility for your lives, safety, welfare, and working conditions. Since the Policy Committee Chair has also visited, I will help address the most urgent issues first," he emphasized.
When firefighters raised concerns about staff shortages, poorly ventilated and heavy fire suits, and rescue suits unsuited for dispatch purposes as the most pressing issues, Jeong responded, "The country will ensure that you do not regret becoming firefighters and continue to work with a sense of duty. I will make sure the issue of rescue suits is resolved as soon as possible and report back to you," he said.
Earlier that morning, Jeong visited a shelter for abandoned dogs in Yongin, where he volunteered and held an on-site meeting with shelter officials. At the 'Home Where Happy Dogs Live,' he remarked, "Today marks my 100th day as party leader. Whether it's the 99th, 100th, or 101st day, I don't think the number itself holds any special meaning. Rather than following the custom of holding a 100-day press conference and simply talking, I came here to work," he said.
He also added, "Animals are living beings, and if we consider humans as one species of animal, then animals with life should also be included in our community. Please don't ask me too many questions about current issues today. I want to focus on caring for animals, so I ask for your support."
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