Kim Taek-woo, the new president of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), reiterated his call for a “master plan” for medical education in 2025.

“Only then can the medical community discuss and talk about the medical education plan, including the 2026 enrollment quota,” Kim said in his inauguration speech on Tuesday.

Kim made it clear that he would not accept “stopgap measures” from the government and the ruling party, saying that some special favors concerning junior doctors’ training and their military enlistment were little more than “follow-up measures.”

“The government should stop stalling and irresponsible responses and approach the issue with determination,” Kim said. “It should first come up with a clear plan and policy to resolve the situation and normalize medical education.” The new KMA head rejected the government and the ruling party's proposal to reopen the tripartite consultation body and start a dialog on the 2026 medical school enrollment quota.

He also said there should be no more “internal or external attempts to sway” the KMA, the nation’s largest doctors group.

“The KMA is undisputedly the top and representative organization of the medical profession,” he said. “It will reaffirm its status as the leading medical professional organization that produces and presents national policy rather than being dragged along by government policy.”

Kim promised to work with all physician members and all regions and roles.

“I will face unpredictable medical challenges through a rational process that gathers the entire membership to be remembered as the KMA president who truly cared for the members after I finish my term,” he said.

He asked for the public’s support amid the prolonged conflict, saying, “Please know that KMA is doing everything in its power to create the best possible medical environment.”

Kim Kyo-woong, who heads the KMA’s Board of Representatives, called for the new KMA leadership to work for junior doctors and medical students.

“I hope that young doctors will be able to express their opinions properly in the future and that their opinions will be fully reflected,” Kim said in congratulatory remarks. “The new president and the executive board should allow young doctors to come back and dream of tomorrow with hope.”

Kim Taek-woo won the 43rd presidential election following a no-confidence motion (impeachment) of his predecessor, topping the first round of voting and the runoff. He will serve a three-year term.

Kim was suspended from his medical license for instigating “collective action” by trainee doctors and medical students while serving as the KMA’s first emergency committee chairman during the government-doctor conflict.