In a bid to end a 13-month dispute that has seen thousands of trainee doctors walk off the job and medical students boycotting classes, South Korea’s education ministry announced on Friday that it will freeze the number of new medical students at approximately 3,000 per year.
The proposal, outlined by Education Minister Lee Ju-ho, is contingent on all trainee doctors returning by the end of March.
The dispute, which began in February 2024, erupted in response to a government plan to increase admissions to medical schools by 2,000 students starting in 2025. Officials argued that the expansion was necessary to address a projected shortage of doctors—particularly in remote areas and amid a rapidly ageing population. However, many in the medical community have maintained that issues such as inadequate pay and challenging work conditions should be addressed before increasing student numbers.
“Our government’s position that the medical school quota should be increased has not changed. But restoring trust between the medical community and the government is also very important,” Minister Lee said during the press conference.
The proposal marks a step back from previous attempts by the administration, led by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, to push through reforms aimed at boosting the number of medical professionals. In January, South Korea’s health ministry reported that about 90% of trainee doctors had resigned out of the 13,531 eligible for hospital appointments, while many medical students had also walked out of classrooms.
Lee Jong-tae, president of the Korea Association of Medical Colleges, expressed hope that the new offer would encourage students to return to their studies. “I am asking all of us to work to have our students come back now,” he said.
The drawn-out dispute has already strained emergency care services, with delays and cancellations of surgeries reported in several hospitals. Political science professor Shin Yul of Myongji University noted that public support for the government’s original plan had waned, a sentiment exacerbated by recent political upheaval following President Yoon’s impeachment over his brief imposition of martial law.
As the government works to resolve the dispute and rebuild trust with the medical community, stakeholders on both sides emphasize that any long-term solution must balance the need for increased medical personnel with improvements in working conditions and overall healthcare infrastructure.
Read next
13:30
Following his swift election, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to take a cautious approach to U.S. trade negotiations, using the transition period to reassess his strategy while monitoring the moves of China and Japan.
11:30
The White House congratulated South Korea on a fair election but voiced concern over potential Chinese influence as liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung assumes the presidency.
10:15
South Korea’s new President Lee Jae-myung vowed to rescue the nation from political chaos and economic turmoil, promising market reforms and renewed diplomacy after a historic electoral win.
17:06
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is on track to win South Korea’s snap presidential election, according to a joint exit poll released Tuesday, just two months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted over his brief imposition of martial law.
15:15
Liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung is projected to win South Korea’s snap presidential election, according to a joint exit poll by major broadcasters, as the country turns the page on a political crisis triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment