The Korean Medical Association (KMA), which has been in conflict with the government since the medical school expansion policy promoted by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, demanded on 8th that next year's medical school enrollment size be fixed at 3058, the number before the transfer. The association also requested dialogue with the government and the National Assembly. Previously, it had refused to talk with the government, but it has decided to resume discussions following the ousting of former President Yoon.
On that day, KMA spokesperson Kim Seong-geun held a briefing at the KMA headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, and said, "It is right to set the number of medical students for the 2026 academic year at 3058," adding, "Please confirm the enrollment quota for the 2026 academic year (rapidly) to eliminate uncertainties."
Spokesperson Kim said, "The Ministry of Education requests universities to ensure that they can provide proper education after conducting a detailed investigation into the educational environment," and added, "Universities that are deemed unable to provide education should reduce their enrollment numbers." The KMA is the only legal organization representing doctors.
The Ministry of Education plans to determine the enrollment numbers for next year soon, considering the status of medical students returning to their studies at various universities. The government has stated that if medical students currently on strike return to a level where normal classes can resume, the enrollment will be frozen at 3058. If students do not return, it plans to select 5058 students, an increase of 2000 for the 2026 academic year.
The KMA is pursuing a 'two-track' strategy of dialogue and struggle, using the ousting of former President Yoon as a turning point. As the drive for the government's medical school expansion policy has weakened, there is also an intent to render it completely void.
Spokesperson Kim said, "Since the impeachment ruling, our country has been finding its path to normalization," adding, "Now, it will be possible for the government and the National Assembly to have the decision-making authority and to engage in dialogue." He also formally requested that the government and the National Assembly create a platform to discuss the medical community's proposals for medical normalization.
On that day, the KMA also demanded an apology for the excessive administrative orders, such as the order to resume work for residents, the cessation of the Medical Faculty Coordination Committee, and resolution of uncertainties through the confirmation of the 2026 academic year medical school enrollment. Earlier, they announced plans for a collective protest at the national representatives meeting on the 13th and the national doctors' rally on the 20th.
The conflict between the medical community and the government is likely to emerge as a major issue in the early presidential election. There are voices suggesting that the KMA should reflect the demands of the medical community in its policies.
However, it is uncertain whether the medical community's claims will receive support from the National Assembly and public opinion as the political sphere enters an early presidential election. Even if the medical community, government, and political circles engage in dialogue and reach an agreement, it will not be easy for residents to fully return after leaving their training hospitals.
Regarding the return of residents, Spokesperson Kim stated, "Due to this impeachment, I believe that residents and medical students will also be able to open their hearts and participate in the dialogue," adding, "The request for a discussion table is because I believe that non-regular residents and students will participate."