Over 18,800 Medical Students in South Korea Submit Leave of Absence Applications, 40 Medical Schools Paralyzed by Boycott

The controversial plan to increase enrollment quotas by the South Korean government is facing strong opposition not only from intern doctors but also from medical students, who are expressing their discontent through collective actions.

According to the Ministry of Education in South Korea, as of March 11th, 40 medical schools in the country have had to postpone or cancel classes due to a significant number of students refusing to attend. The Ministry recorded approximately 18,800 medical students (30% of the total number of medical students nationwide) who have submitted leave of absence applications.

Caption: An empty classroom at Busan University Medical School as students collectively request leave of absence.

An official from the Ministry of Education stated, “We confirm that boycotts are taking place at 10 medical schools. In other words, 10 out of 40 schools have started the new semester without any students, while the remaining 30 schools have had to adjust or postpone their class schedules.”

If class boycotts continue, numerous students may face failing grades. In most medical schools, students receive failing grades if they are absent for 1/3 or 1/4 of the total number of classes. Even students who receive an F grade must retake the course within the same year.

Caption: A protest by intern doctors continues for the 22nd day with no signs of stopping.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health in South Korea has issued a pre-notification of suspending licenses for around 5,000 intern doctors despite the order to return to work. With the government promising legal action against doctors who threaten their colleagues or obstruct their return to hospitals, the Ministry will establish a hotline to protect doctors who wish to resume work. The healthcare authority also pledges to show flexibility if intern doctors return to work before completing administrative procedures for license suspension.

Source: Yonhap

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