Suncheon National University Embraces New Medical School, While Mokpo National University Plunges into Panic... Sharp Divide in Local Communities

Mokpo National University in Shock After 36-Year Dream Collapses
Kim Won-yi and Kang Seong-hwi Strongly Oppose: "Neglecting Medical Vulnerability"
Seo Sam-seok: "Evaluation Criteria Must Be Made Transparent"

With the final selection of Suncheon National University as the candidate for the new national medical school by Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, the mood in the local communities is divided. Mokpo National University, which has devoted itself to attracting a medical school for 36 years, is now in a state of deep shock, as the region's political circles continue their strong opposition and the aftereffects persist.

On August 30, following Mokpo National University's exclusion from candidate selection, the university administration and local community fell into shock over the unexpected result. After years of dedicated efforts to bring a medical school to the area, Mokpo National University cannot hide its sense of disappointment and frustration.

Provided by Mokpo City, Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City.

In response, National Assemblyman Kim Won-yi, Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, members of the Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City Council, and Mokpo City Council issued a joint statement, officially launching their opposition.

They criticized, “In the southwestern region, the probability of dying because patients cannot access a tertiary hospital within 3 hours is as high as 20.7%. Moreover, 41% of all inhabited offshore islands nationwide are concentrated in this region. This decision utterly ignored the dire medical realities directly affecting residents’ lives.” The statement continued, “We sincerely apologize to the citizens of Mokpo for the collapse of a dream that has continued for 36 years.”

Voices also emerged questioning the procedural legitimacy of the selection process. Seo Sam-seok, Democratic Party lawmaker (Yeongam·Muan·Shinan), noted in a statement, “I would like to ask whether the medical vulnerability and accessibility realities of the western region were properly considered in the evaluation. Unless the criteria for evaluation and the contents of community partnership discussions leading up to the final selection are made transparent, the outcome will remain unacceptable.”

While Min Hyung-bae, Mayor of Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City, promised a “local win-win” approach and said, “We will establish a comprehensive regional medical system so that even regions not selected can grow together,” Mokpo’s political representatives, including Assemblyman Kim Won-yi and Mayor Kang Seong-hwi, strongly demanded concrete measures.

They are pressing the special city and the government to present a concrete roadmap, including the establishment of a base hospital equipped for advanced critical care at the university hospital level, expansion of essential public healthcare and research infrastructure, and the provision of bold incentives.

On the other hand, while the Suncheon side, which was designated as the candidate for the new medical school, called for “putting an end to unproductive competition and improving the medical environment for all 3.2 million special city residents,” Assemblyman Kim Won-yi and Mayor Kang Seong-hwi declared that they would not cease their efforts to establish a medical school and university hospital in Mokpo, urging the state to fulfill its national responsibilities. As a result, the standoff between both sides is expected to continue.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.