88% of Medical Students Support Returning to Classes... Lee Juhyo Urges Prompt Return

Ministry of Education and KAMC
Release Results of Anonymous Survey
on Medical Students' Intentions to Attend Classes

With just one day left before the 30-day deadline for repeating a year for medical students who have not returned, a survey has found that 8 out of 10 medical students support returning to classes.

Korea University announced that it will send expulsion notices to medical students who have not returned. On the 28th, a student was seen moving at Korea University College of Medicine in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. 2025.3.28. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

On April 29, the Ministry of Education announced the results of an anonymous survey on medical students' intentions to participate in classes, which was conducted jointly with the Korean Association of Medical Colleges (KAMC), a nationwide gathering of medical school deans, starting April 25. According to the survey, 87.9% of respondents said they support returning to classes.

The survey was conducted by sending official documents to 40 medical schools and targeting enrolled students by academic year. The results are based on 24 out of 28 universities where the survey was completed. Of the 11,889 students surveyed, 7,673 (64.5%) responded, and among them, 6,742 said they support returning to classes. This represents 56.7% of the total surveyed students and 87.9% of respondents.

The Ministry of Education stated, "We have confirmed that the number of students who wish to participate in classes is two to three times higher than the number currently attending classes," and added, "We hope that this survey, in which students were able to confirm each other's intentions, will serve as an opportunity for students to return to classes."

The Ministry of Education plans to share the results of this survey with students and parents and to use them as a reference for academic management aimed at normalizing medical education in the future.

Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the same day, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education Lee Juhyo held a meeting with medical students to discuss measures for normalizing medical education. Lee reiterated his call for medical students to return, stating that academic management will be conducted according to principles.

Lee said, "We take the current situation seriously, as there are still a significant number of students who have not returned with the deadline for repeating a year approaching," and added, "The government and students must discuss healthcare policy together on the basis of mutual trust."