Pohang City, POSTECH Research-Oriented Medical School Establishment Petition Surpasses 100,000 Signatures in One Week

Surpassing Half the Goal with 100,000 Participants, Confirming Citizens' Will

Future Generation Education Sites, Enthusiasm Spreading Across All School Levels

The enthusiasm for the nationwide citizen signature campaign to establish a POSTECH research-oriented medical school is heating up.

Signature campaign in progress at Spacewalk.

Pohang City announced that as of the 8th, the cumulative number of signatures reached 103,312, indicating that the local community's passion for establishing the POSTECH research-oriented medical school is intensifying.

The city announced the start of the signature campaign at the "Nationwide Citizen Resolution Rally to Urge the Establishment of the POSTECH Research-Oriented Medical School" held on the 27th of last month. After a preparation period, just one week into the full-scale signature campaign, the number of signatures surpassed 100,000, more than half of the target, confirming the local community's determination toward establishing the research-oriented medical school.

Currently, Pohang City operates signature booths at major locations including the Nam-gu and Buk-gu district offices, 29 eup, myeon, and dong administrative welfare centers, Jukdo Market, Spacewalk, and Cheolgilsup Plaza. Various civic groups from all walks of life, such as the Pohang City Neighborhood Association, Saemaul Association, Barugesalgi Council, youth organizations, sports associations, and agricultural, fisheries, and cultural arts groups, have also lent their support.

Furthermore, on the 7th, signature books were delivered to Uljin County and Yeongdeok County, expanding the regional medical innovation through the establishment of the POSTECH research-oriented medical school to a broader regional level.

Moreover, since the establishment of the POSTECH research-oriented medical school is a century-long plan for the future of South Korea beyond the region, the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education, Pohang Education Support Office, and local universities, as well as elementary, middle, and high schools at all levels, are also joining forces.

Based on the cooperation and support from all sectors, the enthusiasm for the signature campaign is expected to grow even stronger. The city plans to exceed the target early and subsequently deliver the signatures to the Presidential Office, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and other government bodies.

Mayor Lee Kang-deok stated, “We will clearly convey the will of the citizens who are raising their voices together for the establishment of the research-oriented medical school and actively participating in the signature campaign,” adding, “We will not stop at the initial goal of 200,000 signatures but will surpass 300,000 and 400,000, gathering the cooperation and capabilities of the entire region to achieve the establishment of the ‘POSTECH Research-Oriented Medical School.’”