Daijiworld Media Network - Seoul

Seoul, Mar 31: As the government-imposed deadline for medical students to return to classes expires today, nearly all students at major South Korean medical schools have decided to resume their studies. The deadline, set for March 31, was announced earlier this month alongside a conditional decision to maintain the medical school enrolment quota for 2026 at 3,058 the same as before the government’s controversial plan to increase admissions by 2,000 to address a chronic doctor shortage.

The return of medical students has been a critical condition set by the government. Initially resistant, many students eventually changed their stance due to professors' persuasion and medical schools' strict warnings, including the threat of expulsion for those who failed to meet the deadline.

Among South Korea’s 40 medical schools, 38 institutions will finalize their course registrations today. Only Kangwon National University and Jeonbuk National University have extended their deadlines to early and mid-April. Students at leading universities including Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Korea University, Sungkyunkwan University, and Pusan National University have already agreed to return.

The Ministry of Education will now assess the final number of returning students before confirming the 2026 enrolment quota. Officials speculate that if students continue attending classes as expected, the quota will remain at 3,058. However, if another boycott occurs, the government may revert to the previously proposed 5,058 admissions.