In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho addressed concerns regarding the government's plan to increase medical school admissions by approximately 1,500 seats by 2025. This initiative aims to tackle the doctor shortage by adding around 2,000 medical students annually over the next five years. However, the announcement has led to a significant number of trainee doctors resigning en masse since February, prompting calls for the government to reconsider the plan and engage in fresh discussions. Minister Lee emphasized the government's commitment to maintaining the quality of medical education despite the increased admissions. He assured that sufficient funding and faculty support are in place to accommodate the larger student body. Additionally, the ministry has allowed medical students to take a leave of absence, provided they return next year, following a similar move by Seoul National University in response to protests against the reforms. Lee noted that this decision could facilitate dialogue between the government and the medical community, but he cautioned that students who do not return would face penalties, including potential expulsion.