Kim Taekyun Leads Proposal
Expanding Support for Medical School Establishment
The Jeonnam Provincial Council has formed a "Special Committee to Support the Establishment of the National Medical School at Jeonnam Integrated University" (hereinafter referred to as the Special Committee) and has begun supporting the establishment of a national medical school.
The proposal to establish the Special Committee was initiated by Council Chair Kim Taekyun and jointly proposed by all council members. It was passed as originally drafted during the first plenary session on the 10th.
Until now, the provincial council has consistently called for the establishment of a national medical school to address healthcare disparities. In November of last year, Chonnam National University and Mokpo National University agreed to merge and officially recommended the establishment of an "Integrated University National Medical School" to the government.
However, due to a series of national crises?including the declaration of the 12·3 Martial Law, the impeachment and removal of the president, and prolonged legislative conflicts?the initiative to establish the medical school stalled. Ultimately, the government announced a freeze on medical school admissions for the 2026 academic year, citing the need to "normalize medical education," which resulted in the cancellation of the original goal to open the school in 2026.
Nevertheless, with the launch of a new government under the banner of a "Real Korea," national priorities are being redefined to address gaps in healthcare and foster regional universities, and the effort to establish a national medical school in Jeonnam is regaining momentum.
On May 26, the "Joint Preparatory Committee for the Establishment of the Integrated Medical School," comprising Jeonnam Province, the two universities, and civil society, was launched, marking the start of full-scale preparations.
Council Chair Kim Taekyun stated, "A medical school is more than just a higher education institution; it is essential infrastructure for guaranteeing the right to life in the region, responding to population decline, and creating a medical industry ecosystem." He emphasized, "The establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam is the realization of a 30-year aspiration of local residents and a symbolic task for balanced national development."
He added, "As a dedicated response body at the council level, we will work closely with Jeonnam Province to persuade the government, develop strategies, and conduct external outreach, ensuring that we do not miss this golden opportunity."
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