Universities threaten to expel striking med school students
Despite a government pledge not to increase the medical school admissions quota if striking students return, medical students remain absent from classes. In response, universities have suggested they may expel students who refuse to return. The Korean government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address a shortage of doctors in rural areas and specialized fields sparked intense protests from doctors. Doctors, however, said that the real issue wasn't the number of doctors but rather poor working conditions and systemic problems within the health care system, leading to widespread strikes and school walkouts. Last month, medical schools formally asked that the government reinstate the admissions quota before the increase to bring back students on leave, a request supported by medical school presidents. The Ministry of Education announced last week that it would lower the medical school admissions quota to 3,058, but only on the condition that students on leave return to their studies. Universities are now placing greater emphasis on adhering to academic regulations, unlike las
Mar 12, 2025By Jung Da-hyun
