South Korea: Further medical worker strikes and demonstrations likely nationwide through early August /update 2

Further medical workers' strikes and demonstrations are likely in South Korea through early August. Since Feb. 20, thousands of junior doctors have staged sporadic work stoppages to denounce the government's plan to increase medical school admissions. Consequent medical service disruptions, including canceled surgeries, delayed appointments, and longer wait times, have occurred at various healthcare facilities nationwide. As of July 25, more than 7,000 junior doctors have resigned from training hospitals, and 95 percent of medical students refuse to take the medical license tests to become doctors. Medical professors at Korea University have also been participating in an indefinite strike since July 12.

Striking medical workers will likely hold additional demonstrations outside major hospitals, union offices, and government buildings in and around Seoul. Related gatherings have occurred outside the Presidential Office in Yongsan District, the National Assembly, Seoul Station, and offices of the Democratic Party of Korea. Previous large-scale rallies have attracted thousands of participants in Seoul.

Related protests are likely to be accompanied by heightened security measures. Police may deploy to ensure that participants do not cause traffic congestion beyond the protest site, and authorities may erect security barricades around government buildings. Localized transport disruptions are probable near any protest venue, especially if demonstrators block roadways. Isolated scuffles between demonstrators and police may occur.