On the 20th, a large-scale rally was held in the heart of Seoul where doctors and medical students from across the country strongly condemned the government’s healthcare policy actions.
The Korea Medical Association (KMA) held a 'National Assembly of Doctors for Medical Normalization' in the area of Sungnyemun in Jung-gu, Seoul, demanding an immediate halt to the government's healthcare reform policies.
KMA President Kim Taek-woo said, “The government must acknowledge its mistakes and present a responsible apology and corrective measures,” adding, “We were not wrong. The healthcare reform policies must be thoroughly re-discussed. A regime that has destroyed healthcare must take responsibility for its actions.” He also noted, “I hope the government will respond now,” stating that “irresponsibly delaying responsibility to the next administration is unacceptable.”
The government earlier decided on the 17th to revert the 2026 admissions quota for medical schools to the previous level of 3,058. However, the medical community continues to take a firm stance, demanding a complete suspension and withdrawal of the government’s medical school expansion policy and the Medical Reform Special Committee. About 20,000 doctors and medical students attended the rally, according to KMA estimates.
Through a resolution, the KMA pointed out, “Healthcare policies cannot be pursued in an unilateral structure that excludes the medical community, so immediately halt all of Yoon Suk-yeol's healthcare reforms, including essential healthcare packages,” urging, “The healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, so listen to the voices of the medical community for normalization.”
Additionally, it stated, “The government and the National Assembly must redesign health and medical policies in a sustainable manner together with the KMA,” and “The government must formally apologize for the administrative orders imposed on medical students and residents, and implement practical and responsible measures to restore their rights to education and training.”
Finally, the KMA emphasized, “For medical schools where education is not possible, immediately present realistic alternatives, including adjustments to admissions quotas,” stating, “The KMA will firmly respond to any attempts that undermine the essence and value of healthcare.”