Prolonged Legislative Conflict... Regional University Medical School Freshmen Face Fallout

Chonnam National University and Chosun University Admit 315 Freshmen
Some Delay Course Registration Amid Pressure to Join Collective Leave of Absence
Most Current Students Continue Leave of Absence for Second Year
Chosun University Issues Warning Over "Class Disruption" Report

(Photo of Jeonnam National University and Chosun University from left to right.)

The conflict between residents, medical students, and the government over the plan to increase medical school enrollment quotas has persisted for over a year, and now signs are emerging that this tension is spilling over to newly admitted students, with pressure mounting for them to join a 'collective leave of absence'.

According to Chonnam National University and Chosun University on the 4th, all 165 and 150 freshmen of the class of '25 at the medical schools of Chonnam National University and Chosun University, respectively, completed their registration and entered without any dropouts. This year, the number of new students at the medical schools of Chonnam National University and Chosun University increased by 43 and 25, respectively, compared to last year.

Previously, medical students at Chonnam National University and Chosun University staged a collective leave of absence in protest against the government's plan to increase medical school quotas. As of last year, 708 out of 739 enrolled students at Chonnam National University took a leave of absence. As of today, only about 20 of those on leave have applied to return. At Chosun University, 676 out of 750 students applied for a leave of absence, stating their opposition to the quota increase. It is known that 90% of those on leave have not yet applied to return.

As the conflict between the medical community and the government drags on, there are increasing signs within universities of pressure on freshmen to join the collective leave of absence.

In fact, it was confirmed that last month, Chosun University Medical School received an anonymous report claiming that "medical students are interfering with classes," and issued a warning to enrolled students. The report allegedly stated, "The emergency committee plans to conduct a survey on freshmen's willingness to participate in the protest. They requested real names to verify identity and prevent duplicate participation."

In response, in mid-last month, professors at Chosun University Medical School met with the Emergency Committee and took measures urging, "Do not interfere with freshmen's classes."

Recently, on an anonymous online community at Chonnam National University, a post titled "Medical School Class of '25 Vote" was uploaded. The post conducted a vote on whether medical students would attend classes, and it is reported that opinions in the comments were divided.

Aside from this post, Chonnam National University confirmed that there have been no separate reports or tips regarding class interference. Ultimately, the pressure from current students to join the collective leave of absence is affecting the freshmen as well.

According to data on medical course registration at 10 national medical schools obtained by the office of Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Eulho, a member of the National Assembly Education Committee, as of the 25th of last month, only six first-year medical students at Chonnam National University had registered for classes. Most freshmen at Chosun University registered for classes, but some have not yet done so.

One university official said, "Since the course registration period is still ongoing, it is difficult to determine how many current and new students will actually attend classes," adding, "As the conflict between the medical community and the government continues, universities are closely monitoring student movements and preparing response measures."

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