Jung Chung-rae Marks 100 Days as DPK Leader... Chooses Volunteer Work Over Press Conference

On the 9th, marking his 100th day as DPK leader, Jung Chung-rae chose to participate in volunteer activities instead of holding a press conference. Traditionally, party leadership holds a press briefing to communicate with the public on this milestone, but Jung replaced it with hands-on service. This comes as the DPK faces controversy over the so-called 'trial suspension bill'—an amendment to the Criminal Procedure Act aimed at halting the criminal trial of the sitting president—prompting Jung to take a more humble approach.
In the morning, Jung visited an animal shelter in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi Province, where he volunteered and held an on-site meeting with shelter staff. He remarked, “Today marks my 100th day as party leader. Whether it’s the 99th, 100th, or 101st day, I don’t think it holds any special meaning.” He added, “Rather than following the tradition of a 100-day press conference and talking, I came here to work.”
In the afternoon, to commemorate the 63rd Fire Service Day, Jung visited the Baegam 119 Safety Center at Yongin Fire Station. There, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I sincerely thank you for your tireless efforts on the front lines to protect the lives and safety of our citizens.”
He continued, “Today, I searched for 'Fire Service Day' online, and the headlines I found were deeply upsetting. One article was titled, ‘Firefighters Become Heroes Only After Death.’ I believe the nation should ensure that you are recognized as heroes while you are alive, not only after you have passed.”
Jung stated, “Firefighters are responsible for the lives and safety of the people, but it is the state’s duty to ensure your own safety, welfare, and working conditions. The Policy Committee Chair is also here today, and we will look for ways to support you. What is the most urgent issue you are facing?”
In response, firefighters cited staff shortages, poorly ventilated and heavy fire suits, and rescue gear unsuitable for dispatch needs as the most pressing issues. Jung assured them, “The country will ensure that you can work with pride and without regret as firefighters,” and promised, “I will address the issue of rescue gear as soon as possible and report back.”
Previously, on the 7th, Park Su-hyeon, chief spokesperson for the DPK, stated, “Now is the ‘President’s time’—it is time to devote all efforts to supporting the President’s governance.” On this day, Park summarized Jung’s first 100 days as party leader via social networking service (SNS) on his behalf. Park wrote, “Every administration pursues strong reforms in its early days, but the Lee Jae-myung administration is the first to be tasked not only with reform but also with the grave mission of the Resolution of Insurrection. Since taking office, Jung has devoted himself daily to supporting the Lee Jae-myung administration, driving both reform and the restoration of livelihoods and economic growth.”
Park especially highlighted the following achievements during Jung’s first 100 days: passage of three major special prosecutor bills for the Resolution of Insurrection, Kim Keon Hee, and Chae Sang-byeong; establishment of dedicated party committees for the three major reforms—Prosecution Reform, Judicial Reform, and media reform; handling of the second Amendment to the Commercial Act for the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) 5000 era and promotion of a third amendment; and the passage of the Amendment to the Trade Union Act (Yellow Envelope Act), Four Major Agricultural Laws, and the Emergency Room Ping-Pong Prevention Act.

cjk@fnnews.com Choi Jong-geun Reporter