South Korean doctors are staging protests against the system, with 6,415 trainee doctors submitting resignations, although not all have been accepted. Among those who submitted resignations, 1,630 individuals—25% of the total—have confirmed their departure from their workplaces. In response, the South Korean Government has issued orders for over 1,000 junior doctors to return to work.
Why are doctors protesting in South Korea?
Doctors are protesting against the proposal to increase the number of doctors in the system. The country has
one of the lowest doctor-to-patient ratios among OECD countries. The South Korean government wants to add more medical school placements, but doctors are opposing this move. They are protesting against the prospect of greater competition and reduced income. 
Tensions have escalated between doctors and the government due to the government’s plan to increase the country’s medical school enrollment quota by 2,000 next year. Park announced that the government will extend operating hours at 97 public hospitals and open 12 military hospitals’ emergency rooms to the public to address the potential disruption of medical services.
In South Korea, a private healthcare system exists where procedures are tied to insurance payments. South Korean doctors are among the best-paid in the world, with salaries far exceeding the average pay. 
The government asserts that there is a need for more doctors to meet the demands of the current patient population, which is significantly lower than required, especially as the current population is rapidly aging, necessitating the presence of more medical professionals.
Doctors concern
Doctors continue to protest despite the government’s warning of potential license revocation. They argue that there is no shortage of doctors in the country. Their primary concern is that government reforms might lead to an oversupply of doctors, ultimately lowering their salaries. 
However, the doctors claim that the government has not engaged in full consultations on the matter and assert that the move will compromise the quality of medical education and services.
Currently, public sentiment sides with the government, emphasizing the necessity for more doctors in the country. There’s widespread frustration regarding the shortage of medical professionals. Many argue that doctors should refrain from protesting, as it could jeopardize patient care.
