"Is Suncheon University Hindering the Establishment of a Medical School?"...Mokpo University Strongly Regrets Unilateral Conditions

National Mokpo University and National Suncheon University, which had previously spoken with one voice in support of establishing a new national medical school in South Jeolla Province, are now taking divergent paths, raising concerns within the local community. Mokpo University has strongly expressed regret over Suncheon University's demand for a 'government guarantee in advance,' interpreting it as a de facto declaration to suspend discussions on integration.

On April 27, Song Hacheol, President of Mokpo University, stated in an official statement, "We express deep concern and regret over Suncheon University's position announced on April 20, which introduced new preconditions," adding, "This was done without prior consultation or coordination between the two universities, and in effect, it amounts to a declaration to suspend discussions on university integration at this point in time."

National Mokpo University (top), National Suncheon University (bottom)

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Since November 2024, the two universities have been united in their efforts to quickly establish the South Jeolla Medical School and two university hospitals based on university integration. In particular, at a meeting between the presidents in March of this year, they reached a consensus on 'active communication with the government regarding the establishment of two hospitals' and agreed that Suncheon University would draft an initial proposal for government consultations, which both universities would then refine together.

However, on April 20, Suncheon University suddenly set forth the precondition that 'it is difficult to continue discussions on university integration unless the government first provides guarantees and secures budgets,' abruptly halting the two universities' cooperative talks.

In response, Mokpo University criticized Suncheon University's demand as unrealistic. The university stated, "Given the government's administrative procedures for major national projects and the precedent for establishing new medical schools, it is virtually impossible for the government to accept such preconditions," adding, "This will inevitably delay the timetable for establishing the South Jeolla medical school and, in the worst case, could even jeopardize the entire project."

Mokpo University further mentioned President Lee Jaemyung's national policy philosophy of 'establishing a local medical school in regions without one,' the government's commitment to building a collaborative medical system in South Jeolla, and the campaign pledges of candidates for the June 3 South Jeolla-Gwangju Special Mayoral Election. The university stressed, "What is needed now is not to halt discussions, but to develop a rational model for subsequent procedures such as preliminary accreditation and engage in close consultations with the government."

The university also repeatedly emphasized that time is running out to establish the South Jeolla medical school. Mokpo University defined the 'golden time' for confirming the establishment of the school through normal government procedures as lasting until May this year. If this window is missed, they stated, the future schedule and process cannot be guaranteed.

Song Hacheol, President of National Mokpo University, said, "Establishing a new medical school can no longer be delayed if we are to protect the right to health of the residents of South Jeolla Province," adding, "We will work closely with the governor, the South Jeolla-Gwangju Special Mayor to be elected in the June 3 local elections, and the government to resolve the issues of establishing a medical school and university hospitals quickly and wisely."

He also stated, "I hope that the conditions will be created for in-depth mutual consultations with Suncheon University to resume as soon as possible," leaving the door open for further dialogue. The local community is watching closely to see whether the two universities, carrying the wishes of 1.8 million residents for a new medical school, can narrow their differences and return to the negotiating table for shared progress.

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