The healthcare crisis in Korea is intensifying. As of February 16, 715 trainee doctors from 23 hospitals have submitted their resignations in protest against the expansion of medical school admission quotas. These doctors account for 30-40% of the medical workforce in tertiary care hospitals and play a crucial role in surgeries and treatments.

In 2021, South Korea had only 2.6 clinical doctors per 1,000 people, the second-lowest among OECD countries after Mexico, with 2.5. The government has attempted to increase medical school admissions, but these efforts have consistently faced opposition from doctors.

Despite being overworked, doctors on the frontline seem to oppose the expansion of medical school admissions, presumably with the expectation of higher incomes.

As a result of this situation, South Korea has raised its public health alert to 'severe' for the first time. The strike by 8,400 doctors has led to up to 50% of surgeries being canceled in major hospitals and the refusal of emergency care for patients.

The striking doctors demand higher wages and a reduction in their workload, and they oppose the government's recruitment plans. On the other hand, the government asserts that more doctors are needed to meet the challenges posed by the country's rapidly aging society.

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