Dr. Jeong Eun-Kyeong, the head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, is one of the BBC's 100 most influential women of this year. She is pictured here on Oct. 21 giving a briefing. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Hana

Dr. Jeong Eun-Kyeong, commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), is one of the BBC's 100 most influential women of the year.

The British public broadcast network on Nov. 23 in London announced its list of "100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2020," saying this year's selections highlight  "those who are leading change and making a difference during these turbulent times."

Dr. Jeong was called a "virus hunter" who has led Korea's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As the current commissioner of the KDCA – and having previously served as its first female chief – she is known for her transparency and the calm she brings to her daily briefings on the pandemic," the BBC wrote. 

The report also quoted her as saying, "I give my heartfelt appreciation to all the healthcare workers who have devoted themselves to responding to the pandemic. I will make the utmost effort to help the world become safer by strengthening the capabilities against disease."

Dr. Jeong was the only Korean on the list, which also included Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, actor and climate activist Jane Fonda, and Sarah Gilbert, an Oxford University professor of vaccinology who designed a vaccine against the coronavirus.

The BBC called KDCA Commissioner Jeong Eun-Kyeong a "virus hunter" who has led Korea's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Screen shot from BBC website)