Seoul: Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung pledged to reach a social consensus to "rationalize" the medical school enrollment quota amid a prolonged standoff. Since February last year, thousands of trainee doctors have walked off their jobs, and many medical students have boycotted classes in protest of the government's decision to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 starting in 2024.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stated the need to start again with a social consensus involving all stakeholders, considering the transformations brought by artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technological development. Lee, who declared his presidential bid earlier this month, is leading opinion polls for the June 3 presidential election.

His latest remarks are seen as an attempt to present himself as a capable leader by vowing to resolve one of the most contentious issues under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration through dialogue. Observers say Lee appears to be open to reopening discussions on expanding medical school quotas to reach a solution acceptable to all sides.

Lee emphasized that the unilateral decision by the government prompted the medical community to shut the door to dialogue, resulting in public suffering. He also vowed to strengthen the public health care sector by establishing public medical schools to train essential and regional medical personnel.