Currently, Classes Resumed at 26 Schools... 14 Schools Scheduled to Resume
"Class Resumption Subject to Possible Changes"
Universities Striving to Prevent Failing Grades
"No Progress in Student Class Return Rate"
As medical students continue their collective leave of absence in protest against the 'increase in medical school admissions,' it has been confirmed that as of the 26th, 26 schools have resumed classes. On the other hand, the remaining 14 schools have planned to resume classes, but it is uncertain whether they can realistically reopen classes. The Ministry of Education explained that each university is making efforts such as flexible class operations to prevent students from being collectively failed.
Shim Min-cheol, Director of Talent Policy Planning at the Ministry of Education, stated at the Ministry's regular briefing on the 29th, "There are 12 schools planning to resume classes after the 29th," and "The other 2 are scheduled to resume next week." However, he added, "Although there are plans to resume, it is a statistic that cannot guarantee it will actually happen," and "Please keep in mind that there is a possibility of change."
Regarding concerns that students may face a 'deadline' for collective failure by the end of April, he explained, "Although time is tight, universities should still have some time to manage academic affairs independently," and "Each university is making efforts to flexibly manage attendance and operations."
Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, held a video conference on the 22nd at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, with presidents of 40 medical schools operating medical colleges, urging the normalization of medical school operations after the allocation of medical school quotas. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@
Currently, even if many universities resume classes, a significant number of students are absent, resulting in classes not being conducted properly. Director Shim acknowledged this situation, saying, "I agree that if things were normal, flexible academic management would not be necessary," but added, "That is why we hope the government’s position is understood?that we are trying to operate classes flexibly to minimize student harm and continue classes."
He also admitted that the situation regarding medical students returning to classes has not improved. Director Shim said, "Although the number of schools resuming classes is increasing, and overall the return rate to classes has risen, when looking at each university individually, it is difficult to say that the student return rate has increased significantly," and "We consider that there has been no progress in the return rate so far."
Earlier, the Ministry of Education requested each university to submit changes to the 2025 academic year admission plan, including next year’s medical school admission numbers, to the Korea Council for University Education by the 30th. Regarding this, he said, "Although I cannot disclose the numbers, I understand that almost all universities are submitting their plans," and "We expect that many universities will submit by the 30th."
Regarding the handling of students’ collective leave of absence and professors’ collective resignation, he responded, "No students have been processed for collective leave of absence so far," and "No professors affiliated with universities have had their resignation letters accepted at this time."
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