Return rate for medical students nationwide is 96.9%, 370 students expected to drop out of Inje University - South Korea

As of the 31st of last month, the deadline set by the South Korean government for medical students to return to school, it was revealed that the return rate for students at 40 medical schools nationwide had reached 96.9%. Only two students had dropped out.
On the 1st, the Ministry of Education released a press release titled "Government's position on adjusting medical school recruitment," announcing the results above. According to the press release, except for Inje University (return rate 24.2%),
Thirty-nine universities recorded a return rate of over 90%, excluding Gyeongsang National University (99.7%), Ajou University (99.6%), Yonsei University (93.8%), and Yonsei University Wonju (91.9%).
At all 35 universities, the reinstatement rate was 100%. Among those who have not yet returned, 370 students at Inje University have completed the reinstatement procedures, but have indicated their intention to refuse to pay the registration fee by the 4th.
These students make up 74.6% of the medical students at Inje University and 2.5% of medical students nationwide. The Ministry of Education says that the majority of the remaining students are on military conscription waiting list.
The Ministry of Education said, "We recognize that the return of medical students marks the beginning of the normalization of medical education," and will continue to monitor the progress of classes at each university and provide guidance to advance medical schools.
The government has indicated its intention to announce its direction for adjusting the number of recruits after consulting with medical education stakeholders, such as the Japan Medical University Presidents Association and the Korea Association of Medical Colleges and Graduate Schools (KAMC).
Meanwhile, the Japan Medical Association, which is made up of the presidents of 40 universities with medical schools, said in response to the fact that almost all students at 39 universities have returned, "It was a difficult decision.
"However, we are deeply grateful to the students who have decided to continue their studies," the Medical Association stated. "The university is waiting for the students to return and is making every effort to prepare for classes, but some students are only returning to school and are unable to participate in classes.
"There are concerns that the 40 medical schools will not be able to start their education in the 2025 academic year," he said, emphasizing that "such a situation must never occur."
"All classes and academic affairs will be conducted in accordance with the school rules and regulations," it added. The Medical Association said, "Once students return to classes normally, we will resume enrollment for medical schools in 2026.
"We would like to make it clear once again that we will adjust the number of staff to 3,058."