Local Clinics Also Considering Collective Strike? KMA Says "Possible Anytime"

Criminal Punishment if Uncooperative?
"We Have No Choice but to Escalate Response"
"Intention to Threaten the Medical Association Executive"

As residents at major hospitals nationwide submit collective resignation letters in protest against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions, there is a growing possibility that local clinics may also engage in collective closures.

On the 20th, Suho Joo, the Media and Public Relations Committee Chair of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), appeared on MBC Radio's 'Kim Jong-bae's Focus' and mentioned the possibility of local clinic practitioners collectively suspending operations. He stated, "(We are) not ruling out (collective closures)," adding, "Limited closures or a one-day suspension have already been delegated to our emergency committee's standing members." When asked by the host if such actions could be taken at any time, he replied, "Yes."

Regarding the spreading submission of resignation letters by residents at major hospitals, he expressed concern about the inconvenience to the public but also indicated a willingness to escalate their response.

Chairman Joo said, "The government has never mentioned any numbers regarding the increase in medical school admissions during our dialogue. The sudden proposal of 2,000 additional spots, an unacceptable and incomprehensible figure, is what caused this issue." He added, "We have a representative expansion meeting scheduled for this Saturday." He continued, "We have also filed a rally report for a nationwide gathering on March 10 at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, but the general members in the provinces feel 'Shouldn't we act sooner?' so we are currently looking for a venue for a rally on March 3."

He further stated, "If the government continues to ignore our voices and insists unilaterally on increasing admissions by 2,000, and proceeds with threats like 'If you don't comply, you will face criminal punishment,' we will have no choice but to escalate our response."

Regarding the government's prior notification of administrative license suspension to KMA Emergency Committee Chair Taekwoo Kim and Organization Chair Myungha Park for allegedly violating the 'Order Prohibiting Collective Action Instigation,' Joo said, "The notification has not yet reached the two individuals." He raised his voice, questioning, "What is the government's intention in leaking this to the media in advance?" and interpreted, "It seems the government is threatening and intimidating the leaders."

The Korean Medical Association is preparing for nationwide simultaneous protests opposing the increase in medical school admissions. The photo was taken on the 14th at the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Chairman Joo also denied the allegations of violating the 'Order Prohibiting Collective Action Instigation.' He stated that the collective resignation of residents and the leave of absence movements by medical students happening across the country are separate from the KMA emergency committee. Joo emphasized, "There is absolutely no communication between us," and added, "If we are summoned by the police or prosecution over this, we will thoroughly expose how baseless the government's claims of instigation are."

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