Police "Strict Response to Illegal Activities Related to Doctors' Group Strike"

Song Minheon, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police Agency (left), Kim Kanglip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, and Go Giyeong, Vice Minister of Justice, are listening to reporters' questions at the 'Joint Briefing of Related Ministries on Collective Action by Medical Organizations' held on the 28th at the briefing room of the main building of the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The police have announced a strict response to illegal activities related to the 'collective strike by medical associations' protesting the policy to expand the quota of medical school students.

On the 28th, Song Min-heon, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police Agency, stated at the 'Joint Briefing of Relevant Ministries on Collective Actions by Medical Associations' held at the Government Seoul Office, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, "We deeply recognize the seriousness of the current situation amid the COVID-19 crisis," and added, "We will strictly prosecute all illegal acts that threaten public health."

Deputy Commissioner Song further explained, "For serious illegal acts such as leading collective actions, the Intelligent Crime Investigation Unit of the Provincial Police Agency will conduct focused investigations to hold legal responsibility without fail."

The police plan to strictly punish ▲violations of the health authorities' orders to commence work under the Medical Service Act ▲acts that obstruct or prevent fellow doctors from returning to work ▲spreading fake news that confuses the public.

Song emphasized, "Once related complaints are received from the health authorities, we will investigate as swiftly and strictly as possible to protect the safety of the public and maintain trust in our society."

The Ministry of Health and Welfare expanded the order to commence work, which was initially directed at residents and fellows in the metropolitan area, to the entire country at 10 a.m. that day, requiring immediate return to patient care duties.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.