The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has expressed regret over reports that the government will increase the medical school enrollment quota by up to 3,000.

On Sunday, Yonhap News Agency reported that the government would increase the number of medical school students "by 2,000 beyond a minimum of 1,000,” citing the health authorities. "Opinions in and outside the government are that the increase could reach a maximum of 3,000," it said.

The news agency added that the announcement could be made later this month or immediately after the Lunar New Year holiday.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a news release later in the day, saying, "The size of the medical school capacity increase and the timing of the announcement are yet to be finalized."

On Monday, the KMA also issued a press release.

“Despite the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s explanation, speculative articles and unverified reports related to the expansion of medical school students are spread and reproduced," it said. “We express deep concerns and regrets."

Such reports make it difficult to "establish the right policy," it noted.

"The reckless speculative reporting by some media outlets is sensationalized and misrepresents the facts, causing great confusion to the public," the association said. "Such acts break the trust between the medical community and government negotiators and create unnecessary misunderstanding and antagonism."

KMA noted that it is negotiating with the government from a flexible position based on scientific evidence to ensure that discussions on physician supply and demand policies, including the number of medical school students, are conducted rationally. It also emphasized that the issue of physician supply and demand must be carefully examined by fully considering relevant factors, such as the healthcare system and financial resources.

"Therefore, the 'maybe-or-maybe not' approach to reporting should be stopped immediately. Please refrain from baseless and speculative articles," it said. “We will continue strongly responding to all incorrect reports that may harm the public's health."