Criticism of Medical School Quota Freeze... Acting President Choi: "It Is Never a Retreat or Abandonment of Medical Reform"

"We are aware of concerns and criticism that our will for reform has been undermined"
"Adjustment of admissions quota is urgent to normalize medical education"
To medical students: "There will be no more flexible academic measures"

Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is also the Minister of Economy and Finance, is speaking at the Livelihood Economy Inspection Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 10th. Photo by Yonhap News

Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Strategy and Finance, emphasized that the government's announcement to 'freeze medical school admissions next year' is "by no means a retreat or abandonment of medical reform" amid growing criticism.

In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul on the morning of the 11th, Acting President Choi said, "Since the most urgent task now is to bring back medical students and normalize medical education, we accepted adjustments corresponding to the 2024 admission quota."

Earlier, the government announced that, based on the premise of all medical students returning by March, the number of medical school admissions in 2026 will be frozen at the existing 3,058. In response, civic groups criticized this as "a humiliating white flag surrender to the medical community."

Acting President Choi stated, "The university presidents and medical school deans united in their proposals for the return of medical students and normalization of medical education, and after deep consideration, the government accepted this," adding, "We are well aware of concerns and criticisms that this decision might undermine the will for medical reform that has been arduously pursued over the past year."

He continued, "Considering the practical difficulties in the educational field and accepting the sincere and earnest requests of educators who want to stand with the students is judged to reduce conflicts and allow us to focus on medical reform," emphasizing, "Above all, ensuring that students receive proper education and can realize their dreams is a responsible stance of both the government and the established medical community."

Regarding the medical students who still refuse to return to school, Acting President Choi said, "They must now return to school without fail" and "There will be no more flexible academic measures like those implemented last year."

He added, "I hope each university will do its best for the swift return of medical students and devote all efforts to normalizing medical education," and earnestly requested, "(The medical community) as senior members, to sincerely persuade and encourage the students to return."