"Residents' Struggle to Return"… Seoul National University Hospital Professors Appeal to Hospital Director for Collective Sick Leave Support

"Essential Medical Care Maintained"

Professors at Seoul National University Hospital appealed to the hospital director, Kim Young-tae, who stated that he would not permit a collective strike (general work stoppage), urging him to support their cause by emphasizing that it is a 'choice for the return of residents.'

The Emergency Response Committee of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital made this statement on the 9th in a letter titled "To the Honorable Director Kim Young-tae of Seoul National University Hospital."

Medical staff are moving at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Previously, the committee warned that unless the government completely cancels the administrative disciplinary procedures imposed on residents, all departments except essential units such as the emergency room and intensive care unit would begin an indefinite full strike starting from the 17th. Director Kim Young-tae stated that he would not permit the collective strike, citing significant safety concerns beyond patient inconvenience.

The committee questioned, "Is it truly expected that young doctors will return despite ongoing concerns about future disciplinary actions, when many residents' return is necessary for the hospital's normal functioning?"

The committee added, "The professors' resolution to fundamentally eliminate concerns about administrative disciplinary actions is a desperate effort to meet the minimum conditions for residents' return," and requested, "Since this is the way to normalize Seoul National University Hospital, we ask for your support of the professors' intentions."

The committee emphasized that treatment for severe and emergency patients will continue. They stated, "Professors are not leaving the hospital, nor are they neglecting patients with rare, severe, or cancer conditions," and explained, "During the full strike period, outpatient clinics will be closed and regular surgery schedules adjusted, but care in essential departments such as the emergency room and intensive care unit will be strengthened."

A patient is being transported to the Emergency Medical Center at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

They also promised, "We will ensure that urgent care for patients who need immediate treatment at our hospital proceeds as smoothly as possible," and "We will do our best to prevent any disruption in the treatment of hospitalized patients." Apologizing to patients and their guardians whose treatments, tests, and surgeries may be delayed due to the strike, they added, "We hope to stop the strike soon through reasonable government measures and to see you again in the clinic."

The committee emphasized, "Until now, we have taken on the role of mediator through dialogue and have strived to resolve conflicts, but the government still does not respect the self-determination rights of our trainees, and the medical and educational fields are collapsing helplessly," stressing, "There is no option left but the extreme choice of a full strike."