[Reporter’s Notebook] Election results reflect public call for revision in medical school quota increase

"I will humbly accept the people's will expressed in the parliamentary election and do my best to renew the state administration and stabilize the economy and people's livelihood."

President Yoon Suk Yeol conveyed this message through his chief of staff in response to the general election results, which concluded with a resounding defeat for the ruling People Power Party (PPP). Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-seop, along with other senior presidential secretaries, who conveyed Yoon's position, expressed their collective resignation.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has also notified Yoon of his intention to resign, sparking predictions among political observers that the government's personnel reshuffle will not be limited to the presidential office but may also affect some cabinet ministers.

A major personnel reshuffle is likely to change the way Yoon runs the country. Chief of Staff Lee, while delivering the chief executive’s position, also hinted at a change in the government's operations, saying, "In the future, President Yoon will closely cooperate and communicate with the political opposition.”

Upon reviewing the parliamentary polls, numerous analysts noted that the Yoon administration's initiative to boost medical school enrollment quotas had a detrimental impact on the PPP. This move was perceived negatively by the public, resulting in challenges in accessing medical care and a sense of fatigue among citizens.

Sensing this mood, the opposition Democratic Party, led by leader Lee Jae-myung, pointed out the problem with the push to increase medical school students and promised a “more reasonable approach” to solving the physician shortage. At the same time, factions within the PPP went as far as calling for Yoon's departure from the party.

Given this context, if President Yoon's emphasis on communication, while acknowledging the defeat in the general election, is genuine, it becomes imperative to reconsider the policy of expanding medical school enrollment, which both ruling and opposition parties have identified as problematic during the election.

First, the government must acknowledge its pursuit of an impractical increase in medical student numbers and heed the medical community's call for a "comprehensive review" to address the escalating conflict. President Yoon's decision is crucial in this respect.

A leader should not only possess the determination to steadfastly pursue policies they believe are essential for the welfare of the people but also be willing to reassess and step back if those policies are perceived as unreasonable by the populace.

The driving force behind the government's policies comes from the people. The public sentiment confirmed by the general election was that President Yoon should pursue policies that reflect public opinion.

If President Yoon is genuinely committed to "humbly accepting the will of the people expressed in the general election," he should cease the effort to increase the medical school admission quota and initiate sincere dialogue with the medical community before it becomes too late.

That would be the first step in taking the people's will of the general election seriously.