Medical School Plan

"South Korea's Yoon Stands Firm Against Doctors' Strike Over Medical School Plan"

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol vows not to yield to doctors' protests against his plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 students, citing the need to address a shortage of physicians in rural areas and essential but low-paying professions. The striking doctors argue that the abrupt increase would overwhelm medical schools and harm the country's medical services, while critics suggest their concerns are driven by fears of lower future incomes. The standoff has led to cancelled surgeries and treatments, with public support for the government plan but growing frustration over the prolonged confrontation. Yoon urges the striking doctors to return to work and remains open to talks, while the Korean Medical Association criticizes his address and demands an apology and dismissals of top health officials involved in the recruitment plan.