A classroom at one medical school in Seoul is empty on Jan. 7, as student members of the Korea Association of Medical Colleges announced they would take leaves of absence for the 2025 academic year. (Yonhap)
A classroom at one medical school in Seoul is empty on Jan. 7, as student members of the Korea Association of Medical Colleges announced they would take leaves of absence for the 2025 academic year. (Yonhap)

As the university admissions process for this year approaches its end, the ongoing dispute over the medical student enrollment quota continues to cast a shadow over the return of defiant medical students to class in the upcoming academic year.

Among the concerns about the fallout from the persisting mass leave of defiant students is the prospect of low quality education, with the number of students doubling next year.

Universities are pushing for students’ return this year to avoid an overwhelming surge in class sizes in 2026. Due to the increased medical school enrollment already, an estimated 7,500 students -- including returning students from 2024 and newly admitted students for 2025 -- are set to attend classes simultaneously this year. If 2026 admissions proceed as planned, medical schools could see a record-breaking 10,000 first-year students in a single cohort.

The Education Ministry has urged medical students to return to their classes by February to ensure normal operations in 2025.

Universities are viewing March as the final deadline for students to return, as medical schools in South Korea typically begin their semesters earlier than other majors, with February serving as the starting point for coursework.

“Last year, we approved leaves of absence and adjusted academic policies, but we cannot continue to allow this indefinitely," said Yang O-bong, president-elect of the Korean Council for University Education, on Jan. 22.

“Medical students must return by March at the latest. If another round of mass leave occurs, we could end up with over 10,000 students in a single class next year, which is simply unfeasible. ... A prompt agreement between the government and medical professionals is crucial for practical medical education."

On the other hand, recent incidents of personal information being leaked online intensified pressure on students, raising doubts about the extent of their return to classes.

Students from Seoul National University and Inje University who returned to classes recently had their identities leaked online in mid-January, leading to widespread criticism within medical school communities.

Some senior medical students are reportedly planning to encourage the new 2025 students to join the ongoing protest by collectively taking leave. Medical students have been boycotting classes since February last year, opposing the government’s plan to increase medical school admissions.

The Ministry of Education has referred the case of leaked student information to law enforcement and called on universities to take strict disciplinary action under their regulations.