President Yoon Suk Yeol reiterated his stance to increase the medical school enrollment quota and push for healthcare reform in his first statement after the April 10 parliamentary elections.

President Yoon made the announcement at a cabinet meeting broadcast live on Tuesday morning.

Yoon's remarks at the cabinet meeting, his first official statement since the ruling party's crushing defeat in the 22nd general election last Wednesday, drew attention, especially to whether he would reveal a changed stance on increasing medical students and healthcare reform.

However, the chief executive made it clear there was no change in his position by saying he would push ahead with healthcare reform while gathering more rational opinions.

"We have done our best to speed up the policy, but I think there were many shortcomings in overcoming the time difference between policy and the field," President Yoon said in his opening remarks.

However, Yoon reaffirmed his intention to push ahead with medical reform.

"We cannot stop structural reforms for the future of Korea. We will continue to push ahead with healthcare reform but will take more care and listen to rational opinions. The administration will have to fulfill its responsibilities and further cooperate with the National Assembly."

Despite the ruling party's crushing defeat in the general election, the government's commitment to increasing medical school admissions remains unchanged, prompting observers to predict that the healthcare crisis will likely continue.

For instance, although the government announced the resumption of medical school classes, students continue refusing to attend classes. Moreover, almost a month has passed since medical professors submitted their resignations, and it is increasingly likely that professors will also leave the medical field following trainee doctors.