Kim: "It Is the Government's Role to Enable Doctors to Do Their Jobs Well"
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, bowed his head and offered a sincere apology to the medical community on May 22 regarding the conflict between the government and the medical sector, which was triggered by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's push to increase the medical school enrollment quota. He said, "I sincerely apologize, both as a government official responsible for this matter and as a citizen, for preventing medical students from being able to study during their precious time."
On the afternoon of the same day, Kim visited the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and remarked, "I wonder why our government and such outstanding doctors could not see eye to eye. There is no reason why doctors and the government should be at odds," expressing his regret over the situation.
He continued, "If it is not just one or two people, but almost all doctors raising concerns, then we cannot help but admit that something is wrong. It must be changed. I promise to do so."
He also stated, "It is the government's role to enable doctors to do their jobs better, and patients must be able to receive the medical services they need quickly. It is truly unfortunate that this conflict has been prolonged, and many have been hurt," emphasizing the need to resolve the ongoing dispute between the government and the medical community.
Kim further pledged, "If I become president, I will listen to the voices of doctors. It is neither right nor in line with the principles of democracy to proceed unilaterally without listening."
He also reaffirmed his position that, if elected president, there would be groundbreaking changes in the medical system, and he would actively accept the requests of the medical community. He stressed, "I believe it is the role of the president and the government to ensure that doctors can feel pride in their profession and serve others, and I will do my utmost to fulfill that role."
Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, is delivering opening remarks at the on-site meeting of the Central Election Countermeasures Committee held at the Korea Exchange in Yeouido, Seoul on May 22, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim Taekwoo, president of the Korean Medical Association, responded, "I believe the candidate is fully aware of the consequences of pushing forward with policies that exclude experts, and that is why he has pledged to restore the medical community and revisit the issue from the beginning."
He added, "The use of the phrase 'rebuilding the collapsed medical system' shows that you recognize the seriousness of the situation more than anyone else, and I believe you feel the need for reorganization more acutely than other candidates."
Regarding Kim Moonsoo's pledge to establish a Presidential Committee for Future Medicine and to include medical students, Kim Taekwoo expressed his appreciation, saying, "Your commitment to implementing policies that will instill pride in essential medical professionals demonstrates your understanding of how to resolve the current situation."
He concluded, "Now is the time to normalize the medical sector," and requested, "Please establish a transparent and rational structure so that the voices from the medical field are fully reflected in the policy-making process."
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