**Controversy Over Extreme Statements Comes to an End… Ministry of National Defense Decides to 'Not Pursue'**

Lee Kuk-jong, the head of the National Medical Center, who found himself at the center of controversy due to sharp criticisms regarding the domestic medical system and conflicts with the medical community, has reportedly conveyed his apology to the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry has accepted the apology and decided not to pursue the matter any further.

According to the Ministry of National Defense on the 21st, Lee recently called a Ministry official and stated, "I made those comments to encourage the military doctors, but I am sorry for causing discomfort in the end."

The Ministry of National Defense is now in a position to settle the controversy.

"No Hope for Korea"… Strong Expressions Spark Wider Response

Lee's comments became known when his lecture targeted at military doctors at a training center in Goesan, Chungbuk, on the 14th was leaked. During the lecture, he criticized the structural problems of the domestic medical system and the conflicts between doctors and the government, using harsh expressions.

He made direct statements such as, "The Korean Peninsula is a country run by bureaucrats with only empty talk," and "There is no hope for Korea. Get out of Korea." He added that if one does not want to be harassed by elderly professors and civil servants at hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital and Severance, "then do not engage in vital issues. All that will return is a notice of dismissal," sharply pointing out the reality.

He continued, stating, "Professors are indeed middle exploiters," and criticized the entire hospital management structure by saying, "They squeeze out residents to install floor-to-ceiling glass and lay escalators while demanding increases in hospital fees."

Political Circle Supports Lee Kuk-jong… Criticism of Medical School Quotas

Within the political realm, there is a sense of agreement with Lee's claims. Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate in the ruling party’s presidential primary, criticized the current government’s medical policy, saying, "The notion that simply expanding the medical school quota will resolve essential medical issues is irresponsible."

Lee Jun-seok, a candidate in the Reform Party primary, also emphasized through social media, "We need to change the DNA of the Republic of Korea," and stated, "Now we need to move towards a medical system centered on science, reason, rationality, and problem-solving."

While Lee has settled the controversy through this apology, the structural problems and realities of the domestic medical community he raised continue to remain significant topics within and outside the medical field.

Image Source: News1