NHIS worker named 'unsung hero' in fight against COVID-19

Kweon Bong-gi / Courtesy of National Health Insurance Service

By Kang Seung-woo

Kweon Bong-gi, a manager of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), has been named the first unsung hero by Cheong Wa Dae for his sacrifice amid the coronavirus crisis.

According to the NHIS, Kweon was one of the first volunteers to work at a screening center in Daegu, Korea's COVID-19 hot spot, starting late February. From Feb. 28 to March 12, Kweon was in charge of a screening center there, helping to ensure sample collection went smoothly.

Following his commitment in Daegu, he had to self-quarantine for 14 days in accordance with the government's guidelines.

However, as the virus showed no signs of abating in Daegu and the surrounding North Gyeongsang Province, more staff were needed to handle the snowballing number of COVID-19 patients.

As soon as his self-quarantine period was over, March 25, Kweon headed back to Daegu, where he volunteered until April 5.

While serving for the screening center, he and other NHIS workers paid for a banner thanking medical staff and all volunteers for their devotion. In particular, he had the names of all the volunteers printed on the banner in hopes that it would make them feel proud.

In response, the medical staff there expressed gratitude to Kweon and a doctor from Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center in Daegu sent him a thank-you letter.

“Although it was tough to work there in anti-contamination clothing, it was a must for a staff of the NHIS, aimed at protecting the health of the nation,” Kweon said.

He remained humble about receiving the honor, giving credit to other NHIS workers who are still working around the clock to handle the coronavirus pandemic.

“On behalf of quarantine officers who are working in Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, Incheon International Airport and other areas, I am honored,” he said.

“I express my appreciation to those who are committed to dealing with COVID-19.”