The Korean Medical Association Delegate Assembly to Hold Emergency Extraordinary Delegate General Meeting and Impeachment Vote on the 10th of Next Month
Im Hyeon-taek, president of the Korea Medical Association (KMA), issued an apology letter to members ahead of a no-confidence vote, asking for "a chance to make amends for my mistakes." Im also deleted his social media (SNS) account where he had posted harsh remarks.
In a letter to members sent on the 30th, Im wrote, "I deeply regret causing great concern to the members as my no-confidence motion was proposed at the delegates' meeting," and added, "I fully acknowledge that this situation arose due to my own shortcomings."
He continued, "Above all, I sincerely apologize a hundred times for causing trouble to the members with my inappropriate and reckless words and actions during this serious situation," and said, "At times, I could not contain my anger over the harm and disadvantages faced by members, residents, and medical students, which led to my harsh language. This is an inexcusable fault of mine."
Im stated, "I have no intention of taking my mistakes lightly or evading responsibility," and earnestly requested, "I humbly ask that you allow me to make amends during my term as KMA president, which you have entrusted to me."
He emphasized, "In war, 'fractures within the ranks' are a cause of certain defeat," and warned, "The impeachment of the KMA president will ultimately only deepen internal division and confusion, and will incapacitate us ourselves."
Finally, Im said, "Facing the whip of the no-confidence motion, I will calmly reflect on the current state of myself and the executive team and strive to renew and reform."
Recently, Im’s position has become increasingly precarious even within the medical community due to a series of remarks and behaviors unbefitting his status. Having been criticized multiple times for inappropriate comments, on the 17th of this month, he posted on his Facebook targeting the presidential office’s social affairs chief, saying, "I’m tired of hearing nonsense every day like a schizophrenic patient," which sparked backlash.
Moreover, a recording was recently revealed in which Im allegedly demanded 100 million won in 50,000 won bills from a director of a city or provincial medical association who had defamed him online, in exchange for dropping a lawsuit, igniting a wave of criticism within the medical community. For these reasons, the KMA delegates' meeting has decided to put to a vote on the 10th of next month the no-confidence motion against Im and the formation of an emergency countermeasure committee.
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