The rift between the government and the medical community is expected to deepen as Lim Hyun-taek, the president-elect of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), has firmly demanded a presidential apology and the dismissal of both the Minister and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare if the government want to begin talks with physicians.

This declaration came shortly after Lim secured his position in a decisive victory, capturing 21,646 votes (65.43 percent) against Joo Soo-ho's 11,438 votes (34.57 percent), in the 42nd KMA presidential election. Lim will assume his role in May.

In the aftermath of his election, Lim has been unequivocal about his stance, stating that any dialogue with the government is contingent upon these demands being met.

Lim also warned of a general strike if any KMA member, particularly resident doctors, faces governmental administrative actions or litigation.

Lim remarked that the election result reflects the expectations of the 140,000 doctors for his leadership, emphasizing his commitment to represent the collective will of the medical community.

Lim elaborated on his conditions for engaging in talks with the government, insisting on the accountability of those responsible for the current medical crisis, including the dismissal of key officials such as Health and Welfare Minister Cho Kyoo-hong and Vice Minister Park Min-Soo.

He criticized the government's overtures for negotiation as fundamentally inadequate, emphasizing that true dialogue can only commence once there's accountability for actions taken and a full retraction of policies aimed at increasing medical school quotas and essential medical service packages.

Lim's hardline approach has raised concerns within the government, fearing a deteriorated relationship with the medical sector, potentially leading to an impasse resembling a "cold war" scenario.

"Tensions within the medical sector are already high, but the election of a candidate known for hardline stances has worsened the situation," a government official told Korea Biomedical Review. "We had little expectation for an amicable negotiation atmosphere post-election, but now, a more severe confrontation with the government seems likely, even leading to a point of no return."

This reaction follows Lim's reputation as a hardliner within the medical community, stemming from his prior arrests for protest actions against President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration and his accusations of government "fascism."

In anticipation of a possible general strike led by Lim, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has stated it has reviewed various legal countermeasures.

"After Lim officially takes office, we will confirm his stance and accordingly devise countermeasures," Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Park Min-soo said during a regular briefing of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters on Tuesday. "We have already reviewed various legal responses should a general strike occur."

Meanwhile, the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union criticized Lim for seeking to protect doctors' privileges at the expense of public health.

In a statement released on Thursday, titled "Irresponsible remarks by KMA President-elect Lim Hyun-taek," the union condemned Lim, questioning, "Is the president-elect planning to disregard the lives of 50 million people and only protect the privileges of 140,000 doctors?"

The union expressed disappointment in Lim's statements and actions, noting the absence of any commitment to care for patients endangered by the collective refusal of doctors to provide medical services or to initiate discussions for the swift normalization of medical services.

"While doctors may welcome his stance, the public is disappointed," the union stated.