South Korea medical students end 17-month boycott of classes

South Korean medical students have ended their 17-month boycott of classes, which had been protesting government plans to increase the number of medical school admissions and establish new public medical schools. The boycott, which began in August 2020, was a response to the government's healthcare reform proposals, which the students argued would lead to oversupply and diminish the quality of medical education. The government has welcomed the news of the boycott's end, though it is unclear when the students will return to their studies. The dispute highlighted the ongoing tensions between the government and the medical community over healthcare policy in South Korea. While the details of any potential resolution are still unclear, the end of the prolonged boycott is a significant development in this long-running conflict. The outcome of this dispute may have important implications for the future of medical education and healthcare reform in the country.