Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate for the People Power Party presidential primary, noted that if he becomes president, he will create a world where Professor Lee Kuk-jong, a trauma surgeon, will no longer have to shout in anger.
Candidate Ahn introduced the contents of a lecture on the 14th by Lee Kuk-jong, director of the National Military Medical Center, who criticized conflicts in the medical field, structural issues in large hospitals, the alienation of the scientific community, and a world dominated by lawyers.
At that time, Professor Lee mentioned the history of invasions such as the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 and the later invasions, saying, "The Korean Peninsula is a country where those who just talk are the ones who benefit," and noted, "Never live like me. I worked hard in trauma surgery my entire life, but nothing has changed; all that comes back are termination notices."
Candidate Ahn said, "It is heartbreaking that he, who once had enough influence to be mentioned as a candidate for the chairperson of our party's emergency committee, has become so desperate as to say, 'Leave Korea.' His frustration is a reflection of the frustration of the Korean medical system and of Korea itself."
Candidate Ahn criticized, "The current government has pushed for an unreasonable expansion of medical school admissions without understanding or communicating with the medical field, which I have continuously warned would only increase the number of dermatology and plastic surgery practices, but this ultimately ended in utter failure within a year."
He also pointed out, "The 'low-cost, high-efficiency' medical system of Korea, which the world envied, has suffered a significant blow and is estimated to have wasted more than 5 trillion won in national funds."
Candidate Ahn remarked, "Due to the concentration of medical school admissions, the foundation of science and technology is collapsing, and researchers in science and engineering have packed their bags and left for overseas. This is why there are remarks tinged with self-pity about leaving Korea and comments about a country where only liberal arts majors benefit."
Candidate Ahn said, "Until now, we have chosen leaders who prioritize ideology and slogans over those who understand the field. Now we need a president who knows the field, solves problems, and creates jobs."
Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo stated, "Based on my experiences as a doctor, scientist, manager, and professor, I can accurately see the problems in the field and present practical solutions, and I will accomplish 'era reform' so that those dedicated to public interest and those who wish to contribute to society through science and technology will no longer face frustration."