Ministry of Education:
Strong Response to Coercion of Collective Action
and Infringement of Learning Rights
The Ministry of Education announced on the 16th that it has requested a police investigation into the students of Konkuk University College of Medicine who issued a public statement criticizing students who returned to classes.
It has been revealed that medical students at Konkuk University publicly criticized students who returned to classes. Photo by Yonhap News
According to the education sector, on the 13th, six second- and third-year students of Konkuk University College of Medicine attempted to return to classes without submitting a leave of absence. In response, their classmates issued a statement saying, "Those who return to classes will not be considered peers and will not be allowed to participate in any academic activities related to studies with us in the future," publicly criticizing them. The statement was reportedly shared in a group chat used by Konkuk University medical students.
Statement from the third-year students of Konkuk University College of Medicine shared on the 13th. Medistaff
The matter was also reported to the 'Medical College Student Protection and Reporting Center' operated by the Ministry of Education on the 14th. The Ministry viewed this as a violation of the right to learn and immediately requested a police investigation. The Ministry plans to strongly respond to all acts infringing on the right to learn, including coercion to participate in collective actions.
Konkuk University also expressed serious concern on its website, stating, "This is a serious unfair act infringing on the individual student's right to learn and is treated seriously under the school regulations." The university warned, "A strict investigation will begin according to procedures, and disciplinary actions will be taken in accordance with school regulations once the investigation is completed." On the 11th, the Ministry of Education had also requested investigations into two medical student councils. Given the announcement of 'zero increase in medical school admissions next year' based on 'all medical students returning,' the Ministry clearly stated that it will not tolerate coercion to take leave or exclusion of returning students.
This is the fourteenth time since the conflict between the medical and government sectors that the Ministry of Education has requested an investigation into acts forcing refusal to attend classes within medical schools. Especially since February, when preparations for the new semester began, reports have increased. Cases include student councils collecting names and contact information of freshmen under the pretext of orientation and coercing participation in protests, and securing names and student numbers in group chats under the pretext of deciding protest directions, then contacting students who did not vote one-on-one.
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