A Seoul National University College of Medicine sign in Jongno District, Seoul, Monday / Yonhap

Despite agovernment pledge not to increase the medical school admissions quota if striking students return, medical students remain absent from classes. In response, universities have suggested they may expel students who refuse to return.

The Korean government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address a shortage of doctors in rural areas and specialized fields sparked intense protests from doctors.

Doctors, however, said that the real issue wasn't the number of doctors but rather poor working conditions and systemic problems within the health care system, leading to widespread strikes and school walkouts.

Last month, medical schools formally asked that the government reinstate the admissions quota before the increase to bring back students on leave, a request supported by medical school presidents.

The Ministry of Education announced last week that it would lower the medical school admissions quota to 3,058, but only on the condition that students on leave return to their studies.

Universities are now placing greater emphasis on adhering to academic regulations, unlike last year when schools took a more lenient approach.

Kim Jeong-eun, dean of Seoul National University's medical school, sent a letter to professors on Tuesday, urging students on leave to return to classes by March 27.

He warned that students who fail to submit a reenrollment application could face irreversible academic setbacks or expulsion under school regulations.

Kim also emphasized that leaves of absence will not be granted to those participating in collective action, citing strict policies — including a ban on leaves for walkouts, a fixed academic calendar and a commitment to principled school management.

Any interruption of classes or attempts to coerce students into taking part in collective action will lead to severe penalties.

Additionally, Kim noted that deans of medical schools at eight universities in Seoul, which did not increase their admissions quotas last year, have agreed to address students' refusal to attend classes per their respective school policies.

Korea University has extended its deadline for registration and applications to return from Thursday to March 21, giving medical students additional time to return to classes.

"After this deadline, further registration or reenrollment applications will not be possible," Pyun Sung-bom, dean of Korea University's medical school, said, warning of the consequences students will face if they fail to meet the deadline.

Ahead of moves by Seoul National University and Korea University, Yonsei University's medical school dean also notified professors that there will be no additional opportunities for students to return after March 24.

Choi Jae-young, dean of Yonsei University's medical school, urged faculty members to consult with students and persuade them to ensure they resume their studies before the deadline.

However, he instructed them to prioritize securing students' registration, saying that those who remain on leave after enrolling will face academic setbacks, while those who fail to register at all will face expulsion.

The university plans to expel unregistered students on March 24.

The education ministry has requested a police investigation into two medical school student councils accused of pressuring students to take a leave of absence on March 7, signaling a firm stance against such actions.

The ministry alleges the two student councils coerced first-year students into skipping all classes and training sessions, submitting copies of their leave of absence applications to student councils and dropping all registered courses.

The ministry's move aligns with its earlier pledge to take strict action against any infringement on students' right to education, including efforts to force them into leave or demand proof of their absence.

However, many students still continue to boycott classes and remain on leave, raising concerns that a significant number could face academic setbacks or expulsion later this month.