Handonghun "Medical Situation Serious... Medical School Enrollment Increase Postponement Not Suddenly Proposed"

Conflict Frame Between Ruling Party and Government Blocks Constructive Alternatives and Discussions
"Dinner Postponement Is Not Passing Over... Heard About It Late"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 29th regarding the proposal to postpone the increase in medical school quotas, "This was not suddenly revealed as a showy gesture." He also rebutted views that see this as a conflict between the party and the government, saying, "Such misrepresentation is inappropriate as it hinders constructive alternatives and discussions."

At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Han opened by saying, "Medical reform is an important national task. However, during its implementation, we must also listen carefully to the public's concerns and anxieties and respond accordingly." He continued, "In the current situation, two judgments are necessary: first, whether the emergency rooms or operating rooms are in such a critical state that alternatives and mediation are needed; second, if the situation is serious, what effective alternatives exist."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 29th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

Regarding this, Han explained, "The government authorities judge that the first point is sufficiently manageable, but after listening to various public opinions and sentiments, I judged the current situation to be serious. Therefore, I proposed an alternative (postponing the increase in medical school quotas for the 2026 academic year)." He added, "Many talk or report about the proposal as a party-government conflict frame, but there is no place for such a party-government conflict frame, and it is a luxury."

Meanwhile, Han's side clarified that it is not true that they were not informed about the postponement of the dinner meeting with President Yoon Seok-yeol. Han Jia, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, told reporters, "It was not a passing over; I just heard about it a bit late."