In spite of the government’s decision to freeze medical school enrollment next year, there is ongoing collective action among medical students. Following Yonsei University, Seoul National University and Korea University have also indicated that they might dismiss or suspend students who do not return. (The photo is unrelated to the article content) March 19, 2025.
According to reports, most medical students in the Daegu area have not returned, even though the government announced a return to previous enrollment levels if students resumed their studies by the end of the month. On March 13, Kyungpook National University President Hur Yeong-woo sent a letter to medical students stating that those who had their leave of absence end on February 28, 2025, must apply to return by the 21st, or else they will face dismissal under university rules unless they have extenuating circumstances like illness, childcare, or military service.
The return deadline of the 21st is a week before reaching a quarter of the academic term. Despite communicating this deadline, the university has not reached an agreement with student representatives on resuming classes.
Similarly, Yeungnam University is encouraging students to return through messages and counseling, but return rates remain low. Other schools like Keimyung University and Daegu Catholic University report similar situations.
The Council of Presidents of Medical Schools, which includes presidents from 40 universities with medical schools, held an emergency meeting to discuss handling leave applications. Both the Education Ministry and universities are maintaining their stance to strictly follow academic regulations, including dismissals, if students do not return by the deadline, emphasizing that collective leave of absence is unacceptable.