Former and current executives of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), who are accused of inciting collective action among medical residents in protest against the government's policy to increase medical school admissions, have been referred to the prosecution.
The Public Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on May 30 that seven former and current KMA executives, including former KMA presidents Joo Sooho and Lim Hyuntaek, current KMA president Kim Taekwoo, and KMA executive vice president Park Myungha, have been referred to the prosecution without detention.
They are accused of supporting the submission of resignation letters by medical residents and providing legal assistance, thereby instigating and aiding collective action.
The police also determined that they interfered with the operations of training hospitals where the residents are affiliated.
Meanwhile, last year, in protest against the government's policy to increase medical school admissions, medical residents at university hospitals collectively resigned, resulting in a "medical crisis" where scheduled surgeries were canceled or postponed.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare had filed a complaint with the police on February 27 last year against five former and current KMA executives, accusing them of obstruction of business and aiding violations of the Medical Service Act.
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