Jang Sang-yoon, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs, called "schizophrenic nonsense" by Medical Association President... Controversy over disability slur

SNS Targets Chief Jang's Remark "Capable of Educating 7,500 People"

Im Hyun-taek, president of the Korea Medical Association (KMA), harshly criticized Jang Sang-yoon, senior secretary for social affairs at the Presidential Office, who stated that next year’s medical school freshmen, about 1,500 more than the current number, could be educated with '7,500 first-year students.' Im called it "nonsense like hearing from a schizophrenic every day" and sparked controversy.

Im Hyun-taek, President of the Korean Medical Association, is speaking at a press conference held last July at the KMA Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 18th, according to Im’s Facebook post, he introduced a statement from a senior official at the Presidential Office on the 17th, saying, “Next year, about 7,500 first-year premedical students will attend classes, combining this year’s and next year’s freshmen. Considering the characteristics of first-year premedical education, it is judged that education is possible by dividing classes, etc.” Im identified this senior official as Secretary Jang.

The figure of 7,500 is the sum of the current first-year premedical students who protested the government’s medical school expansion by taking leaves of absence and leaving classrooms, plus the 4,500 newly admitted students next year.

He added, “Is this guy Jang Sang-yoon even sane? I’m tired of hearing nonsense like that from someone who sounds like a schizophrenic every day. Jang Sang-yoon should stop making irresponsible remarks he cannot handle himself. If what I say is wrong, he should return all his assets to society and take responsibility, and he should put up a deposit.”

Lim Hyuntaek, President of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), posted on Facebook on the night of the 17th.
[Photo by Lim Hyuntaek, Facebook capture]

‘Schizophrenia’ is a term already refined to ‘johyeonbyeong’ in the medical community. Since the KMA president linked ‘schizophrenia’ with the derogatory term ‘nonsense,’ it is expected that he will face criticism for disparaging people with mental disabilities.

The post drew comments criticizing government policy with phrases like “It’s f***ing awful,” supporting Im’s claims such as “The government should (directly) educate medical students,” and urging a ‘final debate’ between Im and Secretary Jang.

Meanwhile, Kim Young-hee, policy committee member of the Korea Association of Families of People with Mental Illness, wrote on her SNS, “I deeply regret President Im’s derogatory and contemptuous expressions toward people with johyeonbyeong,” and “I strongly urge a public and sincere apology to those with johyeonbyeong and a promise to prevent recurrence.”