Political and economic interests are intertwined, behind the deadlock in South Korea's medical reform. The South Korean government has reportedly raised the country's medical crisis to the highest "severe" level.
The Korean healthcare system relies heavily on junior doctors as they play a key role in emergency and acute care. Many hospitals are struggling to operate due to staff shortages. Even some hospitals may give up hiring junior doctors who are about to become full-time doctors, and instead accept more interns and residents to supplement their manpower.