Han Jeong-ae: "Further Postponement of National Exam Difficult... No Remedy for Non-Attendees"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Nahum] Han Jeong-ae, Chair of the Policy Committee of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 7th that there is no way to assist medical students who did not register for the national medical licensing exam, saying "additional registration is difficult."

On the same day, Han appeared on tbs radio's 'Kim Eo-jun's News Factory' and responded to the host's question, "Is there any way to help medical students who did not apply by the deadline at midnight?" by saying, "The deadline has already been postponed twice."

Regarding concerns that the inability to accept additional registrations for the national exam could disrupt medical supply, Han said, "That is why we provided sufficient explanations and also postponed the practical exam."

On the ongoing collective strike by residents, Han explained, "The decision to end the collective action was made at the general meeting, but since there are still complaints from the residents, we plan to have enough time to explain today."

About the disagreements among the Korean Medical Association, residents, and medical students, he said, "The Korean Medical Association has been fully delegated the voting and contract rights, but it seems there is internal conflict as they were excluded from the decision-making process," adding, "It is difficult for us to do anything further."

He continued, "Usually, it takes time to resolve internal issues after collective actions. Especially in this case, since these people (medical professionals) are not gathered in one place and are not working in the same unit, it seems to take more time to settle."

Han also commented on the decision to selectively provide the second round of emergency disaster relief funds, saying, "Although it is inconvenient for all citizens, there is a need to distinguish between disaster and inconvenience. This time, we need to focus on the disaster."

Han appeared on MBC radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' on the same day and said, "People have to wear masks and face-to-face interactions are difficult, so work is not easy, but in fact, many people have not experienced income reduction. Some industries have even seen income increase compared to before."

He added, "Since this is a disaster, if support is necessary, we should urgently and thoroughly protect those who have suffered from the disaster."

Regarding criticisms of populism raised by some, Han said, "It is difficult for politicians to say it was completely not the case," but explained, "Various factors were considered, such as the burden of selective costs, the time required, and the possibility that support may not be provided when needed."

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