UICHEONGHYEOP "If Medical Students Can Return, We Will Propose a 'Final Debate' to the Government"

Presidents of Uichonghyeop Hold Emergency Meeting in Incheon
13 of 37 University Presidents Attend for Discussion
Chairman Hong Won-hwa: "Will Discuss with Ministry of Education Soon"

As medical students continue their collective leave of absence in protest against the increase in medical school quotas, university presidents operating medical schools have announced that they will propose more proactive measures, such as 'final debates,' to the government to encourage the students' return.

The Council of University Presidents for Medical School Advancement (UCPMSA) held an emergency meeting for about an hour on the 19th at the Grand Hyatt Incheon Hotel in Incheon to discuss matters related to the return of medical students. In the afternoon, Hong Won-hwa, president of Kyungpook National University and chair of the UCPMSA, told reporters, "During today's meeting, the presidents suggested having a debate," adding, "We plan to discuss this with the Ministry of Education as soon as possible." He emphasized, "If it can solve the problem, we should do even more than a final debate."

When asked by reporters whether they intend to proceed even if the medical students do not join, President Hong replied, "I will consider what results it might bring and then discuss it," adding, "Each university president is in constant communication with their university emergency response committees."

Hong Wonhwa, Chairman of the Korean Council for University Education, is being interviewed on the 6th at the Korean Council for University Education in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The UCPMSA is a temporary consultative body formed by university presidents of institutions with medical schools, aiming to find an exit strategy as the repercussions of the prolonged refusal of medical students to attend classes expand. Currently, 37 out of 40 medical schools participate in the UCPMSA. Thirteen university presidents attended the meeting held in the morning.

He said, "The presidents are the last line of defense to bring students back to the classroom," and added, "Each university president has made thorough preparations, such as offering seasonal semesters, to enable students to return to classes." He continued, "If there are students who want to attend classes, I hope they come back and study," adding, "When I met with Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-ho, I also asked him to create a way for the seniors (residents) to return, so that the juniors (medical students) can come back."

He further stated, "First-year premedical students should not take a leave of absence," and expressed concern, saying, "Starting next year, not only first- and second-year premedical students but also first- to fourth-year medical students and residents will accumulate," and asked, "What if a situation arises like the architecture exam where 90% fail?"

President Hong repeatedly urged, "Please encourage students to return to classes," and emphasized, "First-year students must come back."