Lee Joo-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, said on the 17th to the medical students who have not returned to their studies, "This is the last opportunity" and "It will be difficult to provide any special measures for medical students from now on."
On this day, the Deputy Prime Minister stated during a briefing at the Government Seoul Building on "The direction for adjusting the number of medical school admissions for the 2026 academic year" that the plan is to revert the medical school admission quota to 3,058, prior to any increase.
He noted, "On March 7, I accepted a proposal to revert the number of admissions based on the premise of the 'full return of medical students,' and since then, the presidents and deans have made every effort for the return of the medical students." He added, "As a result, students have revoked their leaves of absence, completed their re-enrollment procedures, and participation in classes continues to increase."
However, the Deputy Prime Minister said, "Unfortunately, the level of student return is still lacking compared to the initial goal" and "Considering the academic calendar and university entrance exam schedule, it is now time to finalize the number of medical school admissions for the 2026 academic year and focus all efforts on education."
He stated, "I will push for legislative amendments to allow for the adjustment of medical school admissions to the 2024 academic year's enrollment level for only the 2026 academic year" and "I hope this announcement encourages the returning students to dedicate themselves to their studies and that additional returns will actively take place."
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed, "With the adjustment of the medical school admissions for the 2026 academic year, I sincerely apologize for the concern it has caused to the public who were expecting an increase in admissions, fearing that medical reform might regress." He added, "The government believes that medical reform, including the increase in medical school admissions, is still necessary to ensure that the public can access quality medical services anywhere."
However, he remarked, "The increase in medical school admissions is realized only when quality education is provided to properly train healthcare professionals" and "I believe that it is important to normalize medical education this time to prevent the doctor training system from halting any longer."
The Deputy Prime Minister said, "The enrollment levels after the 2027 academic year will be calculated centered around the Supply and Demand Forecasting Committee in accordance with the revision of the Basic Medical Law" and "It is now your turn to make a decision, students who have not yet returned. Parents, please encourage your children not to waste precious time and to return to their studies."
He also stated, "If you do not return this time either, depending on the educational conditions at the university, even if you wish to return, you may not be able to go back to school when you want, and even upon returning, you may not receive the desired education." He added, "In particular, in the case of separating education for the classes of '24 and '25, the later the return, the more difficult it becomes, and this situation inevitably continues into the training process. This will incur a significant expense socially."
He additionally remarked, "If you return, the university is preparing education thoroughly so that you can focus on your studies without worry, and the government will not spare necessary administrative and financial support."