South Korea Caps Medical School Admissions at 3,000 Amid Ongoing Dispute

South Korea's education ministry has agreed to freeze medical student admissions at approximately 3,000 per year in an effort to resolve a prolonged dispute with trainee doctors who have been on strike since February 2024. The freeze is contingent upon all striking doctors returning to work, as Education Minister Lee Ju-ho emphasized that the plan cannot proceed without their participation. This decision marks a shift from the previous administration's firm stance to increase admissions by 2,000 students in 2025 to address projected doctor shortages by 2035. Doctors argue that instead of increasing numbers, improving pay and working conditions should be prioritized to fix systemic issues in healthcare. The ongoing crisis has left hospitals struggling with staffing shortages and has fueled debate on necessary healthcare reforms. The situation remains tense as the government hopes this compromise will bring both students and doctors back to their roles to alleviate the medical workforce crisis.