SEOUL - The newly appointed head of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), Lim Hyun-taek, has vowed to initiate a strong response against the South Korean government if medical professors face any disadvantages due to their support for the ongoing strike by junior doctors. The statement was made on Saturday as Lim prepares to take office amid a contentious debate over medical school admission policies.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lim's leadership will be marked by a staunch defense of medical professors and students, with threats of escalated actions if they are unfairly treated. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has come under fire from Lim for allegedly criminalizing professors and intimidating them, which has added fuel to the already heated standoff over the government’s plans to increase the number of medical school admissions. This policy has led to widespread protests, including a mass resignation of trainee doctors since February 20. The government recently conceded to some demands for flexibility in admissions quotas following discussions with leaders from six national universities, aiming to resolve the deadlock.