Breakdown of the 'Ruling and Opposition Party Council'... Ministry of Education Says Discussions Should Start from 2026 Academic Year Enrollment

"Breakdown of Ruling and Opposition Consultations, Regrettable"
Meeting with Medical Students Not Achieved

The 'Ruling and Opposition Parties-Government-Medical Community Consultative Body,' launched to discuss ways to resolve conflicts between the medical community and the government over medical reform, has suspended its activities after 20 days. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education repeatedly stated that it cannot accept the medical community's demand to 'reconsider the increase in medical school quotas for the 2025 academic year,' expressing regret.

At a regular briefing at the Sejong Government Complex on the 2nd, Ministry of Education spokesperson Koo Yeon-hee said in response to related questions, "The government is prepared to engage in discussions with an open attitude, regardless."

The consultative body decided to suspend official meetings for the time being after holding its 4th meeting the day before.

Yonhap News

Regarding the medical community's demands, which caused the breakdown, she explained, "It is difficult to reverse the quotas for the 2025 academic year as admissions are already underway," adding, "We hope discussions can proceed quickly starting with the 2026 academic year quotas."

She explained that meetings with medical students are currently not taking place. Spokesperson Koo responded, "We want to meet and continue discussions with the medical students."

Regarding the medical community's proposal to postpone the increase in medical school quotas until the 2026 academic year and to reach an agreement through the Estimation Committee starting from the 2027 academic year, she said, "The quota decisions are not something the Ministry of Education can decide unilaterally." According to political sources on the same day, the ruling party reportedly proposed to the government the day before, "Instead of increasing quotas in 2026, let's introduce a total quota system and increase quotas starting from 2027."

Regarding the plan to establish a Medical School Bureau within the Ministry of Education, she said, "To establish the Medical School Bureau as of January 1, the results need to be finalized by mid-December," adding, "I understand that consultations are still ongoing."