Aftermath of Kang Kijeong's "Establishing a Medical School in Suncheon" Remarks... Press Conference Erupts into Physical Altercations

Press Conference Delayed 30 Minutes Amid Strong Opposition from Mokpo and Western Region
Shouting and Turmoil as Mayor Kang Stands by “Policy Convictions,” Deepening the Conflict

Citizens and political circles in the western region demand clarification and protest against Mayor Kang Gijeong of Gwangju Metropolitan City's remarks on the establishment of the Suncheon Medical School. Photo by Shim Jinseok

The conflict surrounding Gwangju Metropolitan City Mayor Kang Kijeong's remarks about establishing a national medical school in the eastern region (Suncheon) has escalated beyond a simple debate into physical confrontation. As opposition from the western part of Jeollanam-do erupted, Mayor Kang’s press conference at the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council effectively took place amid chaos.

At 2 p.m. on March 18, in front of the briefing room at the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council, around 100 people—including politicians and civic groups from the Mokpo area as well as prospective candidates—gathered to block Mayor Kang’s press conference.

They strongly objected to Mayor Kang’s recent statement, “We will prioritize the establishment of a national medical school and an affiliated hospital in Suncheon,” demanding an apology and staging intense protests, including blocking the entrance to the venue.

Mayor Kang’s team requested a passage, explaining, “This is to present a vision for the development of the southwestern region.” However, the situation quickly devolved into a standoff marked by shouting and physical altercations. As a result, Mayor Kang left the scene once, only to return about 20 to 30 minutes later to finally begin the press conference.

Even after the press conference resumed, tensions remained high. Citizens calling for the establishment of a medical school at Mokpo National University held placards and shouted, “Clarify your stance on the medical school,” with heated arguments continuing throughout the remarks. During clashes with some attendees, Mayor Kang used the term “ignorant,” which further intensified the conflict.

Citizens and political figures from the western region protesting the remarks by Mayor Ki-jung Kang of Gwangju Metropolitan City regarding the establishment of Suncheon Medical School. Photo by Jinseok Shim

On this day, Mayor Kang cited the Mayo Clinic case, emphasizing, “A single hospital can sustain an entire city.” He also revealed his plan to attract a ‘Big 4’-level large hospital to the southwestern region and transform it into a medical hub. This was the first time he presented such a direction in public after controversy broke out over the establishment of a national medical school.

However, Mayor Kang ultimately did not apologize for his remarks about establishing a national medical school in Suncheon. He maintained his previous statements, calling them “policy convictions as a politician.”

Even in response to demands for an apology from Mokpo citizens, Mayor Kang held his ground, saying, “I fully understand the aspirations of the southwestern region, but I am presenting a feasible solution.”

As a result, the ‘1 Million Global Airport City’ and other pledges for the western region announced at what became a disrupted press conference were largely overshadowed.

This scene is being interpreted as a clear sign that the conflict between the eastern and western regions of Jeollanam-do over the location of a national medical school has moved to the forefront of local politics. The debate over regional balance and the allocation of medical infrastructure is expected to intensify further in the run-up to future elections.

A local political figure who witnessed the scene commented, “It seems the most sensitive issue—the national medical school—was touched too hastily. Given the timing, it’s understandable that the situation escalated so intensely.”

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