Government: "Additional Medical Licensing Exam for Medical Students Impossible... Not Even Under Review" (Update)

Professor Association "Government Responsible for Problem" Statement Draws Welfare Ministry Regret
Government "Medical Students Refuse Themselves, Must Consider Fairness of Other National Exams"

On the 9th, Kim Tae-yeop, head of the Seoul National University Hospital branch of the Medical Solidarity Headquarters, is holding a solo protest in front of the main building of Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, calling for the strengthening of public healthcare. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The government reiterated that it is difficult to provide relief measures such as accepting additional exam registrations in response to the situation where a significant number of medical students are not taking this year's medical licensing examination (Kuksi). It also expressed regret toward the professors' organizations that criticized the government's policy without substantial grounds.

Son Young-rae, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters briefing on the 10th, in response to a question about considering additional registration for medical students' licensing exams, "Medical students themselves are refusing to take the national exam, so the necessity to consider additional exams is considerably low." He added, "Even if consideration begins, this matter requires national consensus, taking into account fairness and equity with other national exams."

This has been the government's consistent stance regarding the refusal of medical students to take the licensing exam. Initially, while medical-government negotiations were ongoing, the practical exam schedule was extended by one week, and the registration deadline was also postponed. It was also confirmed whether individual medical students had expressed their intention to cancel the exam. Even after the medical-government agreement was reached, there was time to register, but most medical students did not respond. Among the examinees, about 2,700, accounting for 86%, refused to take the exam this year, and the medical community and professors' organizations have been insisting that "medical students should be given relief."

The Korean Association of Medical School Professors issued a statement yesterday saying, "The problems caused by the failure to properly conduct the licensing exam are significant both in the short and long term," and "We declare that all responsibility for these problems lies with the government." However, the professors' association did not specifically explain the process leading to the current situation or why it places responsibility on the government.

On the 8th, the practical exam day for the 85th Medical Licensing Examination, a notice prohibiting outside visitors is posted at the Korea Health Personnel Licensing Examination Institute in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Spokesperson Son said, "It is regrettable that the professors' association's statement lacks explanation and understanding toward the public," and "We ask that you consider that granting additional opportunities for the national exam requires public understanding due to controversies over fairness and equity."

Even if the medical student organizations withdraw their refusal and express their intention to take the exam, the possibility that the government will change its stance and allow the exam is currently quite low. Although it could be considered based on national consensus or understanding, negative public opinion against additional relief for medical students is stronger, and there are concerns that setting a precedent could cause severe confusion in future national exams.

Since the agreement between the Korea Medical Association, representing the medical community, and the government does not include any content related to the medical students' licensing exam, the government’s position is that it is not a cancellation of the agreement. Spokesperson Son said, "The medical-government agreement has already been made public, and there is no provision regarding additional exams for medical students," adding, "We are not currently reviewing detailed plans, and if there is a need to consider it, we will deliberate at that time."

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