Lee Jaemyung: "Medical Students, Please Return to the Field of Medical Education"

Promise to Hold Those Responsible Accountable and Improve Resident Training Environment...
"I Will Make Sure to Keep This Promise"

On May 6, Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed the issue of medical students who have not returned to classes in protest of the government's policy to increase medical school admissions, saying, "Medical students, please return to the field of medical education."

Yonhap News

In a post on Facebook that day, Lee stated, "Leave the difficult fight to me, and continue your studies so you can be prepared to protect the lives of the people."

Lee said, "The root of the problem began with the push to increase the medical school quota by 2,000 without scientific evidence or proper preparation in the field of medical education," and added, "Politics will provide answers to the questions you have raised."

He continued, "We must restart discussions on holding those responsible accountable, establishing a rational fee system, improving the medical delivery system, enhancing the training environment for residents, and formulating essential medical policies based on the opinions of those directly involved and sufficient social consensus." He emphasized, "This is not a task for medical students alone, but a national task."

Lee also addressed Kim Moonsu, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, saying, "At the very least, let us keep these promises for the normalization of the medical system together. That is the minimum responsibility politics owes to the people."

Lee reiterated, "To achieve this, above all, you must first return and take your place," and emphasized, "If I am entrusted with responsibility and authority, I will make sure to keep this promise."