Kim Young-rok, "Historic Achievement in Agreement on Integration of Two Universities and Unified Medical School"

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Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Young-rok held a press briefing on the 18th at the provincial government press room regarding the dramatic agreement between Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University, both national universities, to integrate the universities and promote the establishment of a medical school, a long-standing wish in the Jeonnam region. Photo by Jeonnam Province

Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, expressed deep gratitude and welcome for the dramatic agreement on university integration and the integrated medical school reached by the National Mokpo University and National Suncheon University on the evening of the 15th.

On the 18th, Governor Kim visited the provincial government local press room with a bright expression and called it a "historic achievement," raising his voice to say, "We plan to do our best to establish a national medical school in Jeollanam-do for the 2026 academic year."

Governor Kim, seemingly aware of the difficulties during the integration process of the two universities, said, "Many people were concerned and there were unintended conflicts, but considering the support and earnest wishes of the residents, the two universities agreed to integrate on the 15th. It was a very difficult decision, but I deeply thank the presidents of both universities who made a bold decision and the residents who consistently supported us."

He continued, "The government is actively promoting university integration by aiming for a policy of one national university per province as a solution to the decline in school-age children and providing incentives to universities that lead integration. The integration of the two universities, designated as Glocal 30 universities, will become a pioneering model for a nationwide global hub national university," he emphasized.

Governor Kim Young-rok stated, "Even after the integration of the two universities, Jeollanam-do will continue support according to the Glocal designation and plans to provide full support so that greater assistance is given after integration, including participation in large national projects, major policies, and the RISE project."

Along with this, he urged, "Together with the two universities, we will persuade the Presidential Office, the Prime Minister, the government, and the National Assembly to confirm the establishment of the Jeollanam-do national medical school and the allocation of medical school quotas, and actively propose this."