Government Puts Maximum Pressure on Residents... Residents Say "They Threaten to Hit Instead of Talk"

"Strict Action Against Obstruction of Work Commencement Orders"... Residents "Will Continue Strike"

Kim Kang-rip, Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, is answering 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 Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] On the third day of the doctors' general strike on the 28th, the government filed complaints against residents who launched an indefinite collective strike in protest of the expansion of medical school quotas. The day before, after Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo held a meeting with major university hospital directors such as Kim Yeon-su of Seoul National University Hospital and Yoon Dong-seop of Yonsei University Medical Center, a decision was made to 'postpone the complaints,' raising the possibility of residents returning to work. However, on the morning of the 28th, the government resumed filing complaints and shifted to a hardline stance, continuing the deadlock between the medical community and the government. The government and medical sector have failed to find common ground and remain at an impasse.

◆ Ministry of Justice and Police: "Strict Legal Application and Swift Investigation" = The Ministry of Justice and the police emphasized strict legal application and swift investigation. The applicable law is Article 59, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. This provision states that the Minister of Health and Welfare or the mayor/governor may issue necessary guidance and orders to medical institutions or medical personnel if it is necessary for health and medical policy or if there is a significant risk or occurrence of harm to public health. Noncompliance may result in imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won, as well as administrative sanctions such as license suspension or revocation. Ko Ki-young, Vice Minister of Justice, stated, "Even if collective resignation letters are submitted as part of group activities to withdraw government policies, lawful work commencement orders can be issued."

The Ministry of Justice also plans to strictly respond to acts that obstruct work commencement orders. Even if attempts are made to evade by not directly receiving the work commencement order, it can be lawfully delivered according to the Administrative Procedures Act and related laws. Vice Minister Ko said, "Acts of instigating or aiding refusal to comply with work commencement orders may be subject to criminal punishment depending on the facts," and added, "We hope medical personnel will return to the medical field, which desperately needs them in this national crisis, and wisely overcome this situation." The police also plan to cooperate with health authorities for a swift investigation regarding the doctors' collective strike. Song Min-heon, Deputy Commissioner of the National Police Agency, said, "Serious illegal acts such as leading collective actions will be intensively investigated by the local police intelligence crime investigation units," and emphasized, "Once related complaints are received from health authorities, we will investigate as quickly and strictly as possible."

◆ Residents Bewildered: "Indefinite Strike" = The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) and the Korean Medical Association (KMA) expressed bewilderment at the government's strict response. Although the possibility of residents returning to work was cautiously mentioned after the government postponed complaints against some residents the day before, the government's renewed hardline stance has brought the situation back to square one. KIRA maintains a firm position to continue the indefinite strike that began on the 21st.

Seo Jae-hyun, spokesperson for KIRA, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "We are disappointed with the government’s decision to file complaints against residents and order strict responses," and expressed anger, saying, "This is the idea of hitting experts if they do not listen or engage in dialogue." Seo added, "This means the government no longer needs experts (doctors)," and said, "The strike intention of 16,000 residents remains unchanged, and the indefinite strike will continue." On the 28th, KIRA is conducting the '6th Young Doctors Collective Action,' during which participants turn off their mobile phones for the entire day. KIRA emphasized, "Whether the work commencement order has been acknowledged or merely notified, we will not comply," and warned, "If even one resident is harmed, Korean healthcare will lose about 16,000 residents."

The Korean Medical Association also expressed solidarity. On the morning of the 28th, KMA President Choi Dae-jip held an emergency press conference in front of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and said, "The complaint against the 10 residents who refused the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s work commencement order is unjust," and added, "Doctors will unite and respond to the government’s coercive measures."

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