South Korean Medical Students End Boycott, Resume Studies Under New Administration

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok welcomed medical students' decision to end a 17-month boycott of classes, signaling a resolution to the prolonged standoff between the medical community and the government. The boycott was sparked by the previous administration's medical reform plans, which proposed a sharp increase in medical-school admissions.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has welcomed the decision by medical students to end a 17-month boycott of classes, signaling a resolution to the prolonged standoff between the medical community and the government. The boycott was sparked by the previous administration's medical reform plans, which proposed a sharp increase in medical-school admissions.

On July 12, an association of medical students announced its decision to resume studies, marking a significant step forward in addressing the disruption caused by the boycott. Prime Minister Kim described the decision as a "big step forward" and a "relief" in a Facebook post [1].

The boycott began in February 2024 when trainee doctors and students walked out of school to protest the proposed increase in medical school admissions, arguing that it would lower the quality of medical education and attract doctors away from essential care areas such as emergency or paediatrics. Despite the government reversing its course, many trainee doctors and students have yet to fully return to hospitals and classrooms [2].

The Korean Medical Association, the main group lobbying for doctors, had earlier urged the government to restore the academic calendar and improve training conditions. The association, along with Parliament’s education committee and lobby groups representing medical students, called on the president and the government to form a task force to address long-term reforms in medical education and training, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders [1].

The decision to resume classes comes after President Lee Jae-myung instructed Prime Minister Kim and the government to find ways to address the issue. Prime Minister Kim stated that he would make efforts to find a solution, emphasizing that "what the people want will matter" [1].

While the specific timeline for the return to normal academic schedules was not provided, the medical community has expressed its commitment to returning to school to help normalize medical education and the healthcare system [1]. The resolution of this standoff is expected to have a positive impact on patient care and the overall healthcare system in South Korea.

References:
[1] https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/south-korean-pm-says-medical-students-decision-to-return-to-school-a-big-step-forward
[2] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-13/s-korean-pm-welcomes-medical-students-decision-to-end-boycott