As the Ministry of Education, which has consistently emphasized that there will be "absolutely no flexibilization of academic affairs" for medical students who left school in protest against the increase in medical school admissions, now appears to be taking a more reserved stance, there is growing speculation that a shift in policy direction may be underway.

On July 14, the Ministry of Education stated, "We will seek ways to normalize medical education." At a regular briefing held at the Government Complex Sejong that day, Vice Spokesperson Cha Younga said, "The timing and method of medical students' return differ depending on the circumstances of each school," and added, "Whether or not to allow flexibilization of academic affairs is a matter that requires comprehensive review, so it is difficult to say definitively 'will do or will not do.'" She also stated, "We need to determine the timing of the students' return."

This is quite different from the Ministry's previous attitude.

"This year, there will absolutely be no flexibilization of academic affairs" policy document
"It is difficult to say definitively 'will do or will not do'" shift in stance

Since the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Education has repeatedly declared that "there will absolutely be no flexibilization of academic affairs this year." Last year, the Ministry approved collective leaves of absence for medical students and allowed academic flexibility because it was the first year of the increase in medical school admissions and flexible academic management was deemed necessary to protect students. However, the Ministry argued that the situation is different this year. In particular, regarding the students admitted in 2025, the Ministry stated, "Since they enrolled knowing about the increased admissions, collective leaves of absence or refusal to attend classes as a protest against the increase cannot be justified," and emphasized, "There will absolutely be no flexibilization of academic affairs this year."

Even when setting April 30 as the final deadline for non-returning medical students, the Ministry maintained a firm stance, saying, "There are rumors among students that the Ministry of Education is negotiating academic flexibility, but we have never discussed academic flexibilization through any channel."

The reason for the shift in the Ministry's stance is the "declaration of full return" by medical students. On July 12, the Korean Medical Student Association (KMSA) issued a joint statement with the National Assembly's Education and Health and Welfare Committees, announcing their intention to return. The KMSA stated, "We will trust the National Assembly and the government, and all students will return to school to help normalize medical education and the healthcare system."

However, expressing the intention to return does not mean students can immediately resume their studies. Unlike general universities, medical school academic affairs are managed on a yearly basis, so according to school regulations, these students can return in the first semester of next year. To allow them to return in the second semester of this year, amendments to school regulations would be required, making some degree of academic flexibilization inevitable.

Medical Students Association: "Classes during vacation are not special privileges"
Ministry of Education: "It falls under broad academic flexibility"

The KMSA argued, "We ask that students be allowed to receive education during vacations and seasonal semesters, without compressing or rushing the curriculum, so that the total amount of instruction is not reduced," and added, "This is different from academic flexibilization or special privileges."

In response, Vice Spokesperson Cha stated, "That also falls under broad academic flexibility." If this happens, it could raise issues of government policy credibility and fairness with medical students who already returned in the first semester.

"We need to consider the timing and method of return...
We will seek direction through consultations with related ministries and agencies."

Vice Spokesperson Cha said, "The timing and method of medical students' return must be considered according to the different circumstances of each school," and added, "Regulations concerning repeating a year or expulsion differ, and there are also differences in the rules for pre-medical and medical students." She further stated, "The Ministry of Education will seek direction through consultations with stakeholders, including schools and related ministries such as the Ministry of Health and Welfare."

Regarding the large-scale repeating of a year among medical students that occurred in May, she said, "Those measures will proceed as planned." Previously, the Ministry of Education announced that, as of April 30, out of 19,475 enrolled students at 40 medical schools nationwide, 8,305 would be required to repeat a year and 46 would be expelled.