Establishing a Medical School in Jeonnam: "2030 Is Too Late"... "Opening in 2027" Urged

Assemblyman Shin Minho: "A Decision That Threatens Residents' Right to Life"
Calls for Active Provincial Role in University Integration and Naming

Shin Minho, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Democratic Party of Korea, Suncheon 6), strongly criticized the Ministry of Education on the 16th for delaying the opening of a new medical school in Jeonnam until 2030, stating, "Postponing the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam until 2030 is a decision that threatens the residents' right to life."

During the provincial government questioning session at the 393rd extraordinary meeting held that day, Assemblyman Shin said, "Jeonnam is the only region in the country without a medical school or a tertiary general hospital. There are repeated cases of emergency patients losing their lives while being transferred to Gwangju or the Seoul metropolitan area. The establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam is not just an educational issue, but an urgent task directly linked to the lives of local residents."

Shin Minho, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly, is asking questions about the establishment of a new medical school in Jeonnam at the 393rd extraordinary session held on the 16th. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Assembly

He continued, "Although the Lee Jaemyung administration adopted the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam as a national policy task, the Ministry of Education has betrayed the expectations of the residents by proposing an opening in 2030," adding, "2030 is far too late. The goal of opening in 2027 must be achieved."

Referring to the government's "Creating 10 Seoul National Universities" policy, Assemblyman Shin assessed, "This is a golden opportunity for Jeonnam." He stressed, "Jeonnam Integrated University (Suncheon National University and Mokpo National University) should be included as a '+1' prospective regional hub university in the government's plan to promote university innovation centered on Seoul National University and nine regional flagship universities. If Jeonnam is excluded, the outflow of young people will become even more serious."

Jeonnam is currently facing a severe outflow of its young population. Assemblyman Shin emphasized, "Through the Jeonnam RISE project, universities should become the center of regional growth, providing opportunities for young people to settle in the area. University innovation is a task that can no longer be delayed."

Regarding university integration, Assemblyman Shin stated, "While university autonomy is important, the province must actively communicate with both universities," and insisted, "The name of the integrated university should be decided in advance." He added, "The name of the integrated university can define its identity. This is a significant issue."

Assemblyman Shin also expressed a critical view of the RISE project. He pointed out, "There is a tendency for the project to be divided up for the sake of sharing benefits. For the development of Jeonnam, it must be utilized properly."

Meanwhile, Assemblyman Shin urged Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, to take a leading role regarding the schedule for establishing the medical school. He said, "If the province simply follows the Ministry of Education's plan to open in 2030, Jeonnam's future will become even bleaker. The province must come up with measures to advance the opening schedule of the medical school."

In response, Governor Kim stated, "With the goal of establishing the medical school for the 2027 academic year, I will strongly request the allocation of enrollment quotas to the 'Jeonnam Integrated National University' in February or March next year. Regarding the naming of the university, while respecting the autonomous procedures of both universities, I will convey the intentions of the provincial assembly to the universities and the central government."