Medical students' return to university has begun; students' free will must not be hindered - South Korean media

Amid ongoing friction between the National Assembly and the government, medical students who had collectively submitted leave of absence and left their universities are beginning to return to work.
In the case of the medical school of Korea University, the results and contents of the application are not made public, but it was found that about half of the current students had submitted the return to school application. This kind of return to school movement is similar to that of the medical schools of other universities.
Following Konyang University today, Seoul National University, Ewha Women's University, and Busan National University will be hit on the 27th, and Kyung Hee University, Inha University, and Cho University will be hit on the 28th.
The Catholic University of Jeonnam will close its registration on the 30th, followed by Eulji University on the 30th, Ajou University, Chungbuk National University, and Hanyang University on the 31st.
The Ministry of Education has announced that unlike last year, there will be no flexible measures in university management this year, and is encouraging medical students to return to school. Medical students who do not return to school by the end of this month will be subject to adverse measures, including expulsion.
The presidents of universities with medical schools have also refused to accept any applications for leave of absence from medical students who had no unavoidable reason, such as military service or pregnancy or childbirth, and have urged them to return to school.
The movement of medical students returning to university is based on the decision that they should now turn their attention to their own future, rather than continue to be swayed by the friction between parliament and the government that has continued for over a year.
In the midst of this, there have been systematic sabotage attempts, such as the publication of lists of medical students returning to school through online communities in the medical industry, which is of concern.
This is because, due to the closed and collective nature of the Korean medical industry, it is feared that this will cause severe psychological pressure on medical students who are returning to school. This is a crime that violates the right to education, and police will be investigating.
Police have revealed that they are investigating more than five universities over cases of students being criticized for returning to school or forced to not attend classes.
The older generation should show a responsible attitude to the returning medical students by resolving the friction between the parliament and the government. The Korean government is considering increasing the number of students admitted to medical schools next year, assuming that the medical students will return.
The medical industry should keep its promise to restore previous levels and engage in open discussions with the Korean government regarding the supply of medical personnel and medical reform.
As there are no viable alternatives to the bill to establish the committee, it is hoped that the ruling and opposition parties will quickly move forward with discussions in the plenary session.