In a dramatic display of dissent, medical students nationwide have filed over 13,000 applications for leaves of absence in opposition to the government's controversial plan to expand the number of medical schools.

Reports indicate that some students have withdrawn their leave of absence applications after being convinced by universities, while certain institutions have outright denied leave requests that failed to adhere to established guidelines.

As of yesterday, a staggering 13,189 students had filed notifications of intent to take a leave of absence.

Applications flooded in from 37 colleges nationwide, which indicates widespread discontent among medical students.

According to the Ministry of Education’s announcement on the 27th, a total of 515 students from 14 medical schools submitted leave of absence on the 26th.

The figures provided a snapshot of the escalating opposition, with applications increasing on various date: 1,133 on the 19th, 7,620 on the 20th, 3,025 on the 21st, 49 on the 22nd, and 847 over the weekend of the 23rd to 25th.

However, despite the high numbers, the Ministry clarified that the actual count of leave requests stood at 12,527 due to instances where notifications were withdrawn and resubmitted under certain circumstances.

The previous day, 201 students from a single school had a high percentage of their leave of absence applications refused because they did not match the standards, while 48 students from three schools had withdrawn their requests.

The day before, three petitions for military leave of absence and one for a leave of absence owing to paid or uncompleted courses were approved.

It accounted for 70.2% of all medical school students in the country as of April of last year.

The majority of medical school regulations state that a student receives an F grade if they miss more than one-third or one-fourth of the scheduled class days.

A student's grade is repeated if they obtain an F in even one subject.

The Ministry emphasized that despite the prevalent assumption, no permits for “allied leave of absence” had been issued.

Even in cases where statutory conditions are satisfied, the Ministry of Education claims that an alliance leave of absence does not qualify for a leave of absence.

Addressing concerns about compliance, the Ministry urged universities to promptly handle applications that did not meet established guidelines.

All leaves of absence that have been granted since the government announced its plan to expand the number of medical schools have been done so following policies and procedures that are based on enrolment, health, and salary retention policies at the schools.

It was confirmed that six schools had turned away students the day before.

Consequently, adjustments have been made in academic schedules, with the start of major courses for students pushed from February to March in several colleges.

The government's proposal to add 2,000 more medical school students has prompted the Korean Medical Association to organize a nationwide demonstration.

With tensions rising in the medical community, it is anticipated that more students will join the alliance in taking a leave of absence and opposing the government's decision, adding to the intense protest in the medical field.

Minseo Kwon

Grade 11

Seoul Scholars International School