The number of applicants for this year's National Medical Licensing Examination practical exam has increased more than threefold compared to last year, which was marked by conflicts between the government and the medical community.

The Korea Health Personnel License Examination Institute (KHPLEI) announced on Tuesday that 1,450 people had applied for the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination practical exam, which closed last Friday.

Although this represents a 3.7-fold increase from last year, it is only 45 percent of the level prior to the government-doctor conflict.

Typically, around 3,200 to 3,300 candidates register for the skill test. However, last year's 89th practical exam saw only 391 applicants and 347 examinees, approximately one-tenth of the level of previous years. The 88th practical exam, held just before the conflict, had 3,212 applicants and 3,069 passers, with a pass rate of 95.5 percent.

With the increase in applicants for this practical exam, the number of examinees is expected to recover to approximately 40 percent of the previous year's total.

The government is reviewing plans to hold additional national medical licensing exams while finalizing the academic schedules for medical students. Fourth-year medical students returning this year are scheduled to graduate in August next year. Third-year medical students will graduate in February or August 2027, depending on their university.

Last Friday, the Ministry of Education announced that it is considering holding additional national medical licensing exams for those graduating in August.