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Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, said on the 9th regarding the four-party consultative body involving the ruling and opposition parties, medical professionals, and the government, established to resolve the medical crisis triggered by the expansion of medical school quotas, "I believe that participation should not be blocked by setting preconditions for dialogue or limiting the agenda."

At the People Power Party's Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Han said, "Currently, it appears that all parties?ruling, opposition, and government?have expressed their willingness to participate, and I understand that the medical community is also considering participation," adding, "This is an issue concerning all citizens, and everyone hopes for its resolution," and "I hope this consultative body can achieve grand cooperation and solutions."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

On the 6th, Han proposed the formation of a ‘four-party consultative body’ involving the ruling and opposition parties, medical professionals, and the government to address the medical service gap. While the government and opposition parties have expressed willingness to participate, the medical community demands that the government nullify next year’s medical school quota increase, which has already been decided, and that President Yoon Seok-yeol issue an apology. In response, the presidential office stated, "For the 2025 academic year, the admission process is already underway," and "Reconsideration of next year’s medical school quota is impossible." Due to differing positions between the government and the medical community, the possibility of the medical community’s participation remains uncertain.

Regarding the ongoing negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties, Han said, "Currently, discussions are underway about the number of participants in the four-party consultative body and the composition method," adding, "Since this is not a complicated issue, I believe we can reach a good conclusion together. Now is the time for mediation and consultation to find a solution." On the agenda, he said, "I hope practical discussions will take place specifically on medical school quotas, emergency medical measures during holidays, budgets, and so on," and "Above all, I ask for the medical community’s grand participation."

Han also requested that the government show a cautious negotiation attitude by refraining from judicial responses. He said, "Since this consultative body includes the opposition party, it is structured to guarantee sufficient speech and discussion from the medical community’s perspective," and "I hope the medical community will participate so that we can solve the problem together." He emphasized, "I also ask the government to be cautious about judicial responses such as summoning residents, so that constructive discussions can proceed."