Seoul: The ruling People Power Party (PPP) on Monday initiated a consultative body alongside the government and doctors' groups to address the ongoing walkout by trainee doctors. This move comes despite the absence of opposition party participation.According to Yonhap News Agency, the mass resignation of thousands of trainee doctors since February has been in protest against the government's decision to significantly increase the medical school quota. This has resulted in substantial disruptions to the national health care service. The newly formed consultative body convened its first meeting at the National Assembly, with notable attendees including PPP leader Han Dong-hoon, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, and other key government officials.Representatives from the medical community, including medical school deans and medical researchers, joined the discussions. However, the group representing junior doctors and the Korea Medical Association, the largest doctors' group in South Korea, have opted to boycott the initiative. Han Dong-hoon urged the main opposition Democratic Party to participate in the talks, emphasizing the importance of collaborative decision-making.Prime Minister Han Duck-soo highlighted that health care reform should extend beyond merely increasing the medical school quota. He committed to addressing the concerns of trainee doctors, focusing on improved working conditions and equitable compensation.
- October 12, 2026
