On the 22nd, Hong Joon-pyo, a candidate for the People Power Party's presidential primary, met with Kim Taek-woo, president of the Korean Medical Association, and noted that increasing the number of medical students by 2,000 is unreasonable. He emphasized that if he comes to power, he will immediately resolve the issue.
After the decision for the early presidential election on June 3, Hong was the first among the presidential contenders to visit the Korean Medical Association.
On this day, Hong visited the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan District, Seoul, and stated, "When the previous government suddenly declared an increase in the number of doctors by 2,000, I pointed out that it was unreasonable and that it should not be done." He added, "Ultimately, the first catalyst for the government's collapse was the conflict with the medical community. It is truly unfortunate."
He continued, "The first issue was that there was no consultation with medical schools or the medical community," and argued, "At that time, I insisted that the Korean Medical Association should be consulted to adjust the number. Wasn't it right to initially negotiate for an increase of 100 or 200?"
He added, "If the new government is established as a result of this election, I will listen to the opinions of the medical community thoroughly and immediately enter into the problem-solving process."
The government has increased the number of medical students for the 2025 academic year from 3,058 to 4,567. However, as the medical shortage became prolonged, it was decided to revert next year’s number back to 3,058 on the condition that all medical students who refused classes return.
Kim stated, "The government's unreasonable policies have caused great pain for the people and the medical community, as well as the entire Republic of Korea up until now," and noted, "The medical community and the political sector must discuss this issue together in the public forum and resolve it again."
Kim also said, "In the next government, medical experts should cooperate and discuss the medical policies to normalize the Republic of Korea's medical system."
On the 18th, Hong announced a pledge to resolve the medical crisis and normalize healthcare through medical reform by stating he would re-examine the proposal to increase the number of doctors by 2,000 pursued by the Yoon Suk-yeol government in consultation with doctors.
Kim Dae-sik, a member of the People Power Party and Hong's chief secretary, met with reporters after a closed meeting with the Korean Medical Association and said, "The candidate's position is that we want the medical students to return as soon as possible," adding, "The Korean Medical Association has also agreed to think together about these issues and find solutions."
In the closed meeting, the medical community presented four demands, and it has been reported that Hong's side largely agreed with them.