On the 21st, the National Police Agency announced that it has launched an investigation into eight cases involving the coercion and criticism of medical students for skipping classes in the new semester.
The National Police Agency assigned the cases to direct investigation units such as the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Division and Cyber Crime Investigation Division.
The agency stated that around the start of the new semester, coercive acts against fellow medical students have been continuously occurring, including holding meetings to force class absences, repeatedly posting surveys about taking leaves of absence in KakaoTalk chat rooms, and distributing statements implying exclusion of those who do not participate in skipping classes.
Previously, the police investigated 16 cases including the medical student blacklist incident, arresting two individuals who repeatedly posted lists of returning medical students on Telegram and archive sites, and sending nine others who coerced class absences or posted critical messages about returning students to prosecution without detention.
A National Police Agency official said, "Acts that obstruct academic return are serious crimes infringing on students' right to learn. We will conduct swift and strict investigations to hold responsible parties accountable, including pursuing detention for severe offenders."
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