Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University Hold National Assembly Forum on Establishing a New Medical School in Jeonnam

Urging the Government to Take Decisive Action for "Improving Healthcare Realities and Achieving National Balanced Development"

National Mokpo University (President Song Hacheol) announced on the 25th that on the morning of the 24th, the offices of 13 members of the National Assembly, including Kim Won-i, Kim Moonsoo, Seo Mihwa, and Jeon Hyunhee, jointly organized and, together with Mokpo University, Suncheon University, the National Assembly Good Policy Forum, and the Jeollanam-do Provincial Committee for the Establishment of a National Medical School, co-hosted the "National Assembly Grand Debate and Provincial Resolution Rally for the Establishment of a Medical School in Jeollanam-do."

With over 700 participants, including members of the National Assembly, local government heads from the Jeonnam region, civil society organizations, journalists, local residents, and university officials, the event began with the announcement of a resolution for the establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam. Through performances and an expert grand debate, the aspirations and determination of two million Jeonnam residents were conveyed in line with the government's upcoming decision on the "2026 Medical School Admission Quota Allocation."

Song Hacheol is giving a greeting before the discussion. Photo by Mokpo National University

At this debate, chaired by Professor Lim Hyukbaek (Professor Emeritus at Korea University and Chairman of the Good Policy Forum), Professor Park Byunghee (Head of the Suncheon University Medical School Establishment Promotion Team) and Professor Cha Joohwan (Former Director of Planning at Mokpo University) delivered keynote presentations. Panelists included Choi Hyunseok (Director, Medical School Education Support Division, Ministry of Education), Lim Jun (Director, Inha University Hospital Center for Preventive Management), Heo Jeong (Chairman, Jeollanam-do Provincial Committee for the Establishment of a National Medical School), and Kim Daehee (Secretary-General, Yeosu YMCA), who engaged in an in-depth discussion on the establishment of a national medical school in Jeollanam-do.

The main topics presented were "The Necessity of Establishing a Medical School in Jeollanam-do" and "Progress and Future Plans for the Establishment of a Medical School in Jeollanam-do."

On this day, Cha Joohwan, former Director of Planning at National Mokpo University, who presented on the topic "Progress and Future Plans for the Establishment of a Medical School in Jeollanam-do," explained the 35-year history of efforts by the two universities and Jeonnam Province to establish a medical school. He emphasized, "The establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam will not only serve as a safety net for vulnerable populations in the region's medical blind spots, where lives are at risk, but will also be a crucial turning point in solving the issue of regional extinction and addressing the imbalance in local healthcare." He urged the government to allocate medical school quotas accordingly.

They are performing a demonstration to urge the establishment of Jeonnam National Medical University. Photo by National Mokpo University

Song Hacheol, President of Mokpo University, stated, "Through this National Assembly grand debate, the realities of healthcare in the Jeonnam region have been highlighted once again, and now is the time for concrete action beyond discussion." He emphasized, "As both universities have made the significant decision to merge for the establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam, Mokpo University will continue to do its utmost for the creation of a new national medical school in the region."

He added, "To resolve healthcare imbalances and guarantee the health rights of Jeonnam residents, I urge the political sector, relevant ministries, and the local community to actively join forces."

The debate was attended by Kim Won-i, Kim Moonsoo, Seo Mihwa, Jeon Hyunhee, as well as fellow party members Park Jie-won, Lee Gaeho, Seo Samseok, Shin Jeonghoon, Kwon Hyangyeop, Cho Gyewon, and Kim Yoon, who listened to the discussions and shared their opinions.