Government "10 Doctors Who Insist on Closing Clinics Face Criminal Charges" (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Health and Welfare Takes Tough Stance on Striking Residents... Expands Work Commencement Orders Nationwide

Kim Kang-rip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, is answering questions from the press at the 'Joint Briefing of Relevant 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 Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government has taken a strong stance by filing criminal charges against 10 individuals who defied the work commencement order and forcibly carried out a collective strike. The work commencement order for residents and fellows who have entered an indefinite collective strike has been expanded from the metropolitan area to nationwide.

On the 28th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held a joint briefing with the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency at the Seoul Government Complex regarding the doctors' group actions, stating, "As of 10 a.m. today, the work commencement order for residents and fellows has been expanded from the metropolitan area to nationwide, and they are ordered to immediately return to patient care duties." Kim Kang-lip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, explained, "This is an unavoidable measure that had to be taken to protect patients' lives and safety during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis."

Earlier, on the 26th at 8 a.m., the Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a work commencement order to residents and fellows working at 95 training hospitals located in the metropolitan area. An additional 115 training hospitals outside the metropolitan area were also issued work commencement orders on this day. After confirming compliance with the work commencement order the previous day, the Ministry filed complaints with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency at 10:30 a.m. against 10 individuals who did not return to work.

The Ministry of Justice and the police emphasized strict legal application and swift investigation. Ko Ki-young, Vice Minister of Justice, stated, "Even if residents submit collective resignation letters as part of group actions to withdraw government policies, the work commencement order can be lawfully enforced," adding, "Those who refuse can be punished under the Medical Service Act."

Song Min-heon, Commissioner of the National Police Agency, said, "We will firmly respond according to law and principles to all illegal acts related to the doctors' collective strike, including violation of the work commencement order, obstruction or interference with colleagues' return to work, and spreading fake news," and added, "Once complaints are received from health authorities, we will investigate as quickly as possible and strictly enforce judicial measures."

The government's strong measures have also sparked increased opposition from residents. Seo Jae-hyun, spokesperson for the Korean Intern Resident Association, voiced, "We are disappointed in the government for filing charges against residents and ordering strict responses. This is a mindset of hitting those who do not listen without engaging in dialogue with experts, and 16,000 residents will continue the indefinite strike."

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