Medical School Parents Also Step Forward... Actively Demand Struggle from Seoul National University Faculty

"Resolution for Clinic Closure, Disappointment and Frustration"
"Must Act for Future Patients"

Parents of medical students demanded more active protests despite the Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital Professors' Emergency Committee's decision for a 'full strike.' They especially emphasized that now is the time to take action, even if it causes inconvenience to patients.

Kang Hee-kyung, Emergency Measures Committee Chair of the Seoul National University College of Medicine-Seoul National University Hospital Faculty Council, is expressing her position at the Emergency Measures Committee press conference held on the afternoon of the 14th at Yang Yoon-sun Hall, Convergence Building, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

The manager of an online cafe called 'Parents of Medical Students' posted a message on the 14th titled 'A Shout to the SNU College of Medicine Emergency Committee' on behalf of all parents. In the post, the parents criticized, "What have the professors been doing until now?" and raised their voices, saying, "The recent medical collapse has revealed the structural and fundamental problems of the current medical system, and we have realized that everything around us is unreasonable, unscientific, and even disgraceful." This cafe was established on February 18 of this year, right after the government announced the increase in medical school admissions by 2,000 students. It currently has 1,521 members. To join, one must leave a mobile phone contact and undergo a verification process within a week.

The parents said, "We cannot help but laugh when we see debates about the legal effect of the resignation letters submitted by residents in February," adding, "A resident is a person too. It is the duty of citizens in a liberal democracy to resist unjust laws, so we are suspicious whether they are neglecting this and benefiting from it."

They also said, "Reading the strike resolution, we feel disappointment and emptiness before gratitude," and pressured, "You seemed quite lenient about the medical school expansion issue, but do you still have to watch the government's eyes? Is there some hidden benefit that can only be obtained by submitting to power?" They pointed out, "Is it because the 2025 medical education issue is not a direct problem for SNU since the expansion did not apply there?" and "If you think it is not your matter, then the SNU Emergency Committee should be disbanded."

In particular, they expressed, "We understand the feelings of apology to patients and know well that these people have no selfish motives," but also said, "While today's 100 patients are precious, future patients are more than 1,000 times as important. Even if it causes inconvenience to patients now, this is the time to act."

"We will not stand by if even one medical student or resident is oppressed or disadvantaged," they declared their determination. "If you do not fight, you cannot achieve. If you are going to join, lead without wavering, and if you can turn away, then do not even take the first step. This is the way for all medical students, residents, and patients," they demanded that professors take the lead and show resolve.

As the faculty of Seoul National University College of Medicine and the Korean Medical Association each announced collective strikes on the 17th and 18th respectively, on the 11th, a placard condemning the government's increase in medical school quotas was placed at the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The conflict between the medical community and the government triggered by the increase in medical school admissions has entered its fourth month, but the extreme confrontation is prolonging as professors join medical students and residents in collective strikes. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) is taking a strong stance demanding a complete reconsideration of the expansion, while politicians are fiercely attacking doctors as a 'vested elite group's occupational selfishness.'

The KMA announced on the 18th a collective strike and a general rally, and the National Council of Medical School Professors, which includes 40 medical schools, will also participate. The Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital Professors' Emergency Committee explained that their indefinite strike starting on the 17th is a decision for the public good and apologized to patients.