South Korean Trainee Doctors Resign En Masse in Protest Over Medical School Admissions Plan

The government responds with treatment maintenance orders and considers military medics as public opinion largely supports the admissions increase.

Hundreds of South Korean trainee doctors have resigned in protest against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions by 65% starting from 2025, aiming to address the country's doctor shortage.
The government has issued treatment maintenance orders to prevent work stoppages and is considering using military medics to cope with shortfalls.
Doctors argue that the plan ignores the real issues of harsh working conditions and low wages, and could lead to an oversupply of doctors, reducing the quality of healthcare.
Public opinion is largely in favor of the government's plan, with a recent poll showing over 75% support, despite doctors' concerns of it leading to a 'Cuban-style socialist medical system'.
The mass resignations have caused delays in surgeries and other treatments, with hospitals attempting to reschedule and the government deploying emergency measures.