'Impeachment Crisis' KMA President: "Distressed... I Will Not Engage in Ungentlemanly Behavior"

Im Hyun-taek, President of the Korean Medical Association, Sends Postal Letter to Delegates
Repeated Apologies Ahead of No-Confidence Vote on the 10th
"Mixed Feelings... Will Reflect and Renew Anew"

Im Hyun-taek, president of the Korea Medical Association (KMA), sent a letter of reflection to the delegates ahead of a vote of no confidence against him. On the 29th of last month, the KMA Delegate Council Steering Committee proposed the no-confidence motion against President Im and the formation of a KMA emergency committee. The proposals are scheduled to be decided by delegate vote at a special delegate general meeting on the afternoon of the 10th.

Lim Hyuntaek, president-elect of the Korean Medical Association, is holding a press conference at the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on March 29. Photo by Kang Jinhyung aymsdream@

On the 6th, President Im sent a letter by mail to the KMA delegates stating, “Before facing the no-confidence judgment on the 10th, I write this letter with a heavy heart,” and added, “I deeply accept the reasons for the no-confidence motion that have been pointed out.”

He said, “I struggled to block harmful laws that would collapse the medical system and unreasonable policies, but it was insufficient. There has been no clear progress in resolving the forced increase in medical school admissions and the medical manipulation issues,” and “Although I should have properly listened to and embraced the opinions of residents and medical students who are sacrificing their futures in the struggle, I deeply reflect on the lack of effort in communication and coordination.”

He also apologized, saying, “I bow my head and apologize for causing trouble with my inappropriate and rash remarks during a critical situation when we should have been focusing on resolving the medical manipulation crisis. I could not control my anger and responded emotionally to the false information spread about the precious resident support funds collected from members,” and emphasized, “From now on, under no circumstances will I engage in any behavior or speech that undermines the dignity and status of the KMA president.”

He continued, “Together with the 42nd executive committee who are working devotedly, I will thoroughly operate all affairs systematically and transparently through a proper system. I will properly fulfill the role of balancing and coordinating the complex and diverse voices from the Delegate Council, city and provincial medical associations, various professional groups, and clinical departments to find the optimal common ground,” outlining his future plans.

Regarding the impeachment motion against him, he stated, “There have been several attempts to impeach the KMA president in the past, but ultimately they only intensified internal division and confusion, damaged authority, and resulted in our own incapacitation,” and argued, “From an external perspective and in the eyes of the public, the medical community will be criticized for failing to respond properly to the current situation and instead falling into internal strife, neglecting public health.”

He added, “I will humbly accept the delegates’ reproaches and criticisms, reflect deeply, and be reborn anew,” and “I will remember my original intention so that the overwhelming support and choice of the members who elected me in the last election will not fade.”

Facing impeachment within six months of taking office amid controversy over his harsh remarks, President Im had previously expressed an apology via text message on the 30th of last month. He also mentioned the recent controversy where he demanded 100 million won in exchange for dropping a lawsuit against a local medical association director who posted defamatory comments about him online. Furthermore, he announced that he would delete his social media accounts, which have been the source of multiple controversies.