The Ministry of Education stated on the 14th that the nationwide medical student return rate (class participation rate) is "continuing to show an upward trend." However, regarding the admissions quota for next year's medical school, it noted that "the timing for the decision on the admissions quota for the 2026 academic year is fast approaching."
Spokesperson Koo Yeon-hee mentioned during a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Center that "it has not yet been decided when the admissions quota for medical schools will be determined or announced" and added, "We plan to do it as soon as possible."
Previously, the Ministry of Education had announced plans to revert next year's medical school admissions quota back to the pre-increase level of 3,058. This was based on the premise that the return rate of medical students as of the end of March would be determined to be at a level that would normalize medical education.
However, official statistics on the medical student return rate compilation have not yet been released. In response, spokesperson Koo declined to comment on whether the delay in announcing the admissions quota for medical schools was due to the current class participation rate of medical students falling short of the return criteria previously set by the government.
Spokesperson Koo also addressed the suggestion from some in the medical community for a meeting between the government and residents and medical students, stating that "(the Ministry of Education) has suggested several times a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Lee Joo-ho and the Korea Association of Medical Schools (KAMS), but it has not materialized."
He further stated, "It is necessary to first meet and openly discuss the current situation and jointly devise solutions" and expressed hope that "a meeting can be realized as soon as possible."