Mokpo Shaving Protest Over Suncheon University Medical School Selection

Mokpo's political circles have strongly protested the selection of Suncheon University as a candidate for a new national medical school by Jeonnam Gwangju City. Approximately 300 protesters, including Assemblyman Kim Won-yi and Mokpo Mayor Kang Seong-hee, held a shaving demonstration in front of the Blue House, demanding a re-examination of the national medical school selection.

Many believe that it is realistically difficult for this shaving protest to overturn a decision that has already been made. Some critics also raise the point that Mokpo's political circles may have misjudged the situation and acted belatedly.

Mokpo city council members, led by local assemblyman Kim Won-yi, campaigned to attract a national medical school to Mokpo, but they are criticized for being too complacent in their assessment of the situation. Their excessive confidence in attracting Mokpo National University without considering all aspects ultimately led to a disappointing outcome for local residents. This belated shaving protest is ultimately criticized as being nothing more than a post-facto remedy.

Former Assemblywoman Son Hye-won and others have proposed the establishment of 'master-doctor-focused hospitals' as a realistic alternative for the Mokpo region. The idea of establishing hospitals that actively utilize retired medical professionals aged 65 or older by attracting doctors who have retired from famous hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital to Mokpo is considered feasible.

Significant conflict and division have emerged within the Honam region over the attraction of national medical schools. Therefore, there is a need for not only the government but also local politicians to put their heads together and seek new solutions to resolve regional conflicts.