Seoul – The ongoing conflict between the government and the medical community is casting a long shadow over medical education in South Korea. Following a tumultuous year, several medical schools are once again facing disruptions, with many postponing the start of the spring semester.

According to data from the Ministry of Education, 32 out of 40 medical schools nationwide have delayed their opening dates to March or later. This comes after a year of turmoil, where students walked out of classes to protest government policies.

The situation remains tense, with the possibility of further delays looming if students do not return. Last year, some universities were forced to postpone their academic schedules multiple times, causing significant disruptions to students' education.

The prolonged conflict has already had a severe impact on the medical community. A record low number of new doctors (269) were produced this year, as many students were unable to complete their studies or take the national medical examination.

The government has pledged to address the situation, promising to finalize the 2026 medical school enrollment quota and implement comprehensive measures to improve medical education by February. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be enough to resolve the deep-seated issues and bring students back to the classroom.

Meanwhile, a few universities, such as Seoul National University, have managed to start their semesters on time. Others are planning to hold classes for some grades later this month.

The future of medical education in South Korea hangs in the balance, with the need for a swift and amicable resolution between the government and the medical community becoming increasingly urgent.

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