South Korea: Unionized health workers to hold nationwide rallies Feb. 15 /update 1

Unionized doctors affiliated with the Korean Medical Association (KMA) and other organizations have announced nationwide rallies on Feb. 15. Organizers are denouncing the government's increase in the enrolment quota for medical students by 2,000 and the building of additional medical schools. Tens of thousands of doctors across the country will likely participate, prompting limited disruptions to medical services during planned gatherings. The union has also threatened further actions, including strikes, if their demands are not met. As of Feb. 15, details of announced rallies include the following:

• Changwon: People Power Gyeongnam Provincial Hall at 19:00

• Chuncheon: Gangwon State Office at 14:00

• Chungbuk: People Power Chungbuk Provincial Office at 13:00

• Daejeon: Daejeon Metropolitan City Hall at 12:30

• Gwangju: People Power Gwangju City Hall at 18:00

• Jeju: Jeju Provincial Office at 19:00

• Jeonju: Pungnammun Square at 13:00

• Namwon: Namwon City Hall

• Seoul: War Memorial of Korea at 19:00; Yongsan Presidential Office at 19:00

• Ulsan: People Power Ulsan City Hall at 13:00

Additional demonstrations, including street marches and sit-in protests, are almost certain, mainly at or near government buildings and public squares in urban centers. While participation will probably vary by locale, union leaders anticipate hundreds of demonstrators at each location. Authorities will likely increase security at any gatherings that occur. Localized transport disruptions are especially probable during well-attended rallies if attendees march or block streets.