Mokpo National University challenges Sunchon National University medical school selection

Controversy has erupted over the selection of Sunchon National University as a candidate for the establishment of a new national medical school in the Jeonnam region. Song Ha-cheol, President of Mokpo National University, and various local political and academic figures have raised serious allegations of illegality and unfairness in the evaluation process conducted by the Jeonnam Research Institute.

A primary point of contention is the certainty of land acquisition. Critics argue that while Mokpo National University has secured its own land, Sunchon National University proposed using city-owned land via a free lease agreement. Opponents claim this violates regulations requiring national medical school sites to be state-owned land and that permanent structures cannot be built on leased municipal property under current laws.

Further allegations include biased evaluation metrics, such as the exclusion of regional medical necessity indicators and a lack of diverse expertise among the eight evaluators, most of whom were medical professors. In response, Mokpo National University has filed a lawsuit to cancel the recommendation and has requested the Ministry of Education to halt the selection process. Additionally, local civic groups have filed criminal complaints against the evaluation committee members, alleging obstruction of official duties.