The new president of the Korean Medical Association, Kim Taek-Woo, delivers an inaugural speech at the ceremony held on the morning of Nov. 14 at the Korean Medical Association Building in Yongsan, Seoul. /Courtesy of Korean Medical Association

On the 14th, Kim Taek-woo, the new president of the Korean Medical Association, said, "The government should first present a plan for normalizing medical education this year before discussions can take place regarding next year's medical school enrollment."

Despite the government previously apologizing to residents and medical students while announcing that it would review the enrollment numbers for medical schools starting from scratch for the 2026 academic year, interpretations suggest that the medical community maintains a strong stance to pressure the government.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Korean Medical Association headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul, Kim stated, "The government itself must acknowledge that it is absolutely impossible to conduct medical education in its current state and must present a proper master plan for medical education, rather than a temporary measure, to ensure that medical education is effectively implemented in 2025."

He criticized, "The government and the ruling party are still presenting only the residency training and conscription exemptions without a specific plan for resolving the situation while suggesting to restart the Yeoyujeong consultative body, which has already failed. The government should approach this with the mindset of resolving the source of the issue."

Kim emphasized, "Only when the government presents a clear plan and solid guideline for resolving the situation and normalizing medical education can the medical community discuss and engage in dialogue regarding the issue of increasing enrollment for the 2026 academic year, as well as medical education plans."

In the medical community, there have been ongoing claims that if a substantial number of medical students who took a leave of absence last February return this year, up to 7,500 students, including freshmen, could be in the same first-year classes at once, leading to chaos in the educational setting.

In response, Lee Ju-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, emphasized on the 10th that a budget of 606.2 billion won would be allocated this year to improve medical education conditions, including increasing faculty, expanding facilities and equipment, and supporting innovations in medical education. He noted that once medical students return, classes will proceed without disruption. However, Kim believes that such a plan is insufficient for normal education, and the specific plans needed have not yet been clearly requested by the association.

Kim also expressed a willingness to actively participate in discussions aimed at the government and the National Assembly. He noted, "Unlike the past, I will not withdraw simply in opposition but will lead the agenda," adding, "Especially, I want to be remembered as a president who worked for the members by the end of my term, including all doctors across different specialties and regions." He further stated, "Even when faced with insurmountable challenges regarding the medical situation, I will wisely address the issues through a rational process of gathering collective will," emphasizing his commitment to elevating the status of the association and fulfilling the role of a leading professional organization by proactively producing and presenting policies instead of being dragged into them as in the past.

Meanwhile, the association will hold a press conference and its first standing board meeting on the 16th. It is expected to announce the appointments of the executive branch. There is also speculation regarding the unusual possibility of Park Dan, chair of the Korean Association of Residents, and medical students taking on major roles.