In the midst of prolonged conflict between the government and the medical community over the issue of ‘expanding medical schools,’ a heated exchange has been ongoing for three days between Hong Jun-pyo, the Mayor of Daegu from the People Power Party, and Lim Hyun-taek, the President of the Korean Medical Association (KMA).
Lim, the president of the KMA, raised the issue of ‘pig aphrodisiac’ related to Mayor Hong, while Mayor Hong retaliated by stating his intention to sue and lock up doctors who cannot practice medicine.
The dispute began with Mayor Hong’s Facebook post on the 3rd, in which he appealed for an end to the medical school dispute, saying that doctors should not persistently oppose the expansion while 80% of the public supports it. He also criticized doctors for opposing the expansion in public debates.
In response, Lim criticized Mayor Hong on the 4th, saying that it is incredible for someone who has been involved in sex crimes using pig aphrodisiacs to run for president and be a mayor. He also condemned doctors who do not reduce any fees and protest about public duties and the Hippocratic Oath.
Mayor Hong immediately responded to Lim’s remarks on the same day and the following day. He accused Lim of having a poor personality before being a doctor, saying that he is amazed that someone with such a disposition can be a doctor. He even warned that he might just sue and put an end to the doctor’s practice.
Mayor Hong continued to post on Facebook on the 5th, criticizing anyone who resorts to personal attacks when they lose an argument, as it reflects poorly on their character. He further criticized the KMA, saying that it is not desirable for Korean society if there are groups that support such individuals.
In response, Lim fired back, saying, “It is shocking that a politician who participated in drug-facilitated date rape attempts, which are grounds for disqualification as a prosecutor, has not yet come to his senses and is still making remarks about standards.”