Regarding the controversy over the privileges for returning medical students, the Ministry of Education said, "It is time to decide on how to embrace the wounds of the children (students) rather than talk about privileges."
Gu Yeon-hee, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, said during a regular briefing held at the Government Sejong Center on the 28th, "Over the past year and a half, the nation, universities, and students have gone through difficult times and have been hurt a lot," adding, "It is a time that everyone has lost."
Earlier, the Ministry of Education decided to allow 8,000 medical students, who became 'repeating applicants' after refusing classes in protest of the medical school expansion policy, to return in the second semester. There are also plans to conduct additional exams for third- and fourth-year students to take the national medical examination, which has raised concerns about privileges.
Reports have surfaced that some universities will replace first-semester classes with online video lectures, raising concerns about the quality of education. The conflict between students who have already returned and those who will return in the second semester is also identified as a task the government needs to address.
In response, Gu, the spokesperson, noted, "While the relevant department is currently confirming the academic-related details with the respective universities, it seems that each university will come up with specific plans and will likely consult with the Ministry of Education soon." He added, "We are also carefully considering the issue of student conflicts, and I understand that the schools are paying attention to this matter. We will carefully embrace this together with the schools."
When asked whether there are plans to check if schools are conducting shortened classes for returning medical students, Gu responded, "We plan to check when necessary, but it is not the stage to say what and how we will check right now."
When asked if there is data regarding the government's justification for allowing the return of medical students, citing the 'gap in the number of doctors,' he said, "Typically, it is expected that 3,000 doctors should be produced every year, but there has been a period where this has not happened," and added, "If this situation continues, it will ultimately not be good."