Starting March 1, the South Korean government will commence procedures to suspend the medical licenses of trainee doctors who have not returned to work. The government previously stated that striking doctors had until Thursday to return to work without facing any punishments. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has outlined legal and administrative actions, including potential indictments.

The strike has significantly impacted operations at major general hospitals nationwide, leading to reduced surgeries, emergency room services and intensive care operations. Among the approximately 9,000 trainee doctors who stopped working for the 10th consecutive day on Thursday, the health ministry stated that 294 have returned to work.