Young physicians from overseas have voiced their support for the resignations and allied leave of absence by Korean trainee doctors and medical students protesting the medical school enrollment quota increase.

They also called for the Korean government to stop administrative penalties for collective action and engage in open dialogue.

The Junior Doctors' Network (JDN), affiliated with the World Medical Association (WMA), said in an official statement Sunday that the Korean government should engage in constructive dialogue rather than punitive measures to increase medical students.

"The current situation in South Korea, where thousands of young doctors have taken collective action, shows that there is a deep divide between the medical community and government policy," the JDN said. "The proposal to expand medical students to address the shortage of doctors has not reached a consensus (between the government and the medical community) and is perceived as a measure to weaken the quality of medical services and medical education."

It continued, "We are deeply disappointed by the punitive measures taken by the government against the protesting doctors, which hinder the process of resolving the conflict amicably and constructively, undermine the principles of democratic participation and freedom of expression, as well as undermine the stability and resilience of the healthcare system."

The young doctors' organization expressed its support for the Korean trainee doctors and called for an immediate end to the administrative action against them.

"We express our support for the collective action to improve the professional rights, working conditions, and healthcare delivery system of Korean doctors," the network said. "The Korean government should immediately stop punitive measures against doctors who participate in this action and engage in an open and constructive dialogue with medical community representatives to resolve the issue."

The measures adopted (through the discussions) must maintain high standards in medical education and healthcare delivery and ensure that the healthcare workforce is adequately supported to meet current and future healthcare needs," it added.

The World Medical Association has also issued three statements in support of South Korean doctors since March 3. Protesting administrative penalties against trainee doctors and police investigations into former and current executives of the Korean Medical Association, WMA called for the Korean government to protect doctors’ rights.