South Korea Medical Students Conclude 17-Month Boycott, Urge Government Reforms

Thousands of medical students in South Korea are set to return to classes following a 17-month boycott against plans to increase admissions. The Korean Medical Association is calling for government reforms to restore the academic calendar and improve training conditions, while Prime Minister Kim Min-Seok views this as a crucial step toward better healthcare solutions.

After a long standoff, thousands of South Korean medical students are preparing to resume classes following a 17-month boycott, driven by opposition to government proposals to increase medical school admissions. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) announced this development, indicating that the walkout aimed to prevent deterioration in educational quality, which students believed would result from a larger intake.

The association has not specified a formal timeline for their return to the classroom but has urged the government to normalize the academic calendar and enhance training conditions. Prime Minister Kim Min-Seok expressed his approval of the students' decision, calling it a "significant forward movement." He emphasized the importance of collaboration between citizens, the medical field, Congress, and the government in addressing existing challenges.

The government's plan to boost the number of annually admitted medical students from approximately 3,000 to around 5,000 was intended to meet rising healthcare demands. However, the government has indicated it would not pursue this change until March 2025. In the meantime, a report from the Yonhap News Agency revealed that 8,305 students would face grade retention, necessitating a repeat of their academic year.

The end of this boycott signifies a pivotal moment for medical education in South Korea, as students and authorities hopeful for constructive dialogue and reforms to benefit the healthcare system.