Suncheon citizens rally for Sunchon National University medical school

Approximately 1,000 citizens, social organizations, and local officials gathered in Suncheon to hold a rally and a symbolic walk (Sambo-ilbae) to demand the establishment of a medical school and university hospital at Sunchon National University.

Participants, including Suncheon Mayor Son Hun-mo and National Assembly member Kim Moon-soo, emphasized the urgent need for medical facilities in the eastern Jeonnam region. They argued that the area, which includes a population of roughly 840,000 across several cities and counties, faces significant healthcare gaps and high demand for emergency services due to major industrial sites like the Yeosu Industrial Complex and Gwangyang Steelworks.

The Pan-Citizen Promotion Committee urged the Ministry of Education to conduct a fair evaluation based on objective indicators such as medical demand, regional conditions, and research capabilities, rather than political or regional interests. The committee also expressed concerns regarding the transparency of the selection process, calling for the disclosure of evaluation criteria and raw data as the decision on which university will be recommended to the Ministry of Education is expected as early as the 30th.