The government announced on November 4 that it will establish a medical school at Suncheon National University with an enrollment capacity of 60 students. This initiative is expected to train medical personnel and establish an essential emergency medical system in the eastern region of Jeolla, which has lacked a medical school until now.
Gwangju City is working to address public sentiment following the disqualification of Mokpo University in the selection process.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare revealed on November 4 that Suncheon National University and Kyungpook National University were selected as new regional medical schools, with 60 and 40 student slots allocated, respectively.
Gwangju City recommended Suncheon National University as a candidate for the medical school on August 30.
The government reviewed the proposals submitted by local governments for establishing regional medical schools, requesting additional information and consulting external legal experts before making its selections.
In the case of Gwangju, where controversy arose during the candidate recommendation process, the government conducted multiple verifications of supporting documents, direct explanations from the evaluators during planning meetings, and external legal consultations to ensure appropriateness.
Following Suncheon National University's selection, Gwangju City plans to form a 'Regional Medical School Promotion Task Force' involving the university and experts to implement follow-up measures.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare also decided to establish a support group for the new regional medical schools.
Despite Suncheon National University's selection, there remains strong opposition from Mokpo University and the southwestern region.
Mokpo University filed a lawsuit against Gwangju Mayor Min Hyung-bae on September 4, seeking to annul the selection and recommendation process, along with a request for a stay of execution.
The court dismissed the stay request on October 2.
Mokpo University stated that this decision does not assess the legality of the evaluation process and plans to respond to the main lawsuit while demanding independent verification from the Ministry of Education.
Political reactions have also been critical. Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Won-yi began an indefinite hunger strike on October 30, demanding that the Ministry of Education directly evaluate Mokpo University.
The Southwestern Regional Medical School Emergency Response Committee held a press conference in front of the Blue House on November 3, calling for full disclosure of the evaluation materials and criteria used in the candidate recommendation process, independent verification, and a reevaluation that includes Mokpo University.
Gwangju City plans to enhance medical infrastructure in the southwestern region, including establishing a university hospital-level medical institution in Mokpo, where there is currently no medical school.
A task force for southwestern development, led by Deputy Mayor Hwang Gi-yeon, has been activated, focusing on building a regional healthcare system, promoting local development, and supporting universities.
Key tasks under review include establishing a base hospital in Mokpo with capabilities for severe medical care and enhancing essential public health functions. The plan also considers securing medical personnel in vulnerable areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, trauma, pediatrics, and obstetrics, as well as providing advanced medical equipment. However, specific project scales, funding, and timelines have yet to be determined.
In a statement following the government's announcement, Gwangju City expressed its commitment to creating a comprehensive healthcare system that connects all regions and addresses medical gaps. It also indicated plans to announce a major transformation plan for the southwestern region, including the expansion of university hospital-level medical infrastructure for unselected universities and areas.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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