전공의 노조 출범: 열악한 근무 환경 개선 요구

The landscape of medical training in South Korea is undergoing a significant shift, marked by the recent formation of the National Resident Doctors’ Association in September 2025. This development follows the resolution of a major dispute between physicians and the government, leading to a large-scale return of resident doctors to their training hospitals. The emergence of this labor union signals a growing movement toward advocating for improved working conditions within the medical profession.

A New Voice for Resident Physicians

Prior to 2024, over 90% of medical school graduates in South Korea seamlessly transitioned into residency programs. The traditional path of a one-year internship followed by three to four years of residency was notoriously demanding, often exceeding 100 hours of work per week. Despite the grueling schedule, it was largely accepted as a rite of passage. However, this acceptance is now being challenged.

Did You Know? The National Resident Doctors’ Association officially launched in September 2025, following the return of many resident doctors to training hospitals after a period of dispute.

Nam Gi-won, a third-year neurology resident at Hanyang University Dongtan Hospital and a senior vice president of the newly formed union, joined the organization while nearing the end of his training. In a telephone interview with the Kyunghyang Shinmun last month, Nam stated the union’s purpose is to improve the “unreasonable and irrational training environment,” asserting that advocating for basic labor rights and a fair working environment is an “unstoppable trend.”

Concerns Over Implementation of Reforms

The union immediately launched an investigation into the implementation of the current resident physician working hour reduction pilot program. A survey of union members across 69 hospitals participating in the pilot program, conducted between December and January, revealed that working hours still averaged close to 70 hours per week, even in participating hospitals. Instances of verbal abuse, physical assault, and the assignment of pregnant residents to on-call duties were also reported.

Nam Gi-won highlighted a lack of consistency in the implementation of the pilot program, stating, “The biggest thing I felt while analysing the labor contracts, pay stubs, welfare systems, and compliance with the pilot program was that it was being implemented ‘randomly.’”

Expert Insight: The formation of this labor union and the concerns raised about the implementation of working hour reductions suggest a fundamental shift in the power dynamics within the South Korean medical system. The focus is moving beyond simply increasing the number of doctors to addressing the quality of the working environment and ensuring basic labor rights for resident physicians.

Some argue that increasing the number of doctors and resident positions would alleviate the burden. However, the union emphasizes that the issue is not solely a matter of numbers. Significant disparities exist in pay and benefits between hospitals, with some offering nearly double the salary of others. Essential medical fields in rural areas face chronic staffing shortages, impacting both residents and professors.

Upcoming Changes

A revised Resident Physician Act, taking effect February 21, 2026, will limit the maximum continuous working hours for residents to 24 hours, down from the previous 36. It also strengthens protections for pregnant residents. Violations will be subject to fines of up to 5 million won. However, the union stresses the need for comprehensive solutions, including securing replacement personnel, restructuring on-call duties, and guaranteeing dedicated time for formal education.

Nam Gi-won believes the desire for change extends beyond younger physicians, stating, “I don’t think we should see this as just MZ doctors wanting these changes.” He draws parallels to broader societal shifts, such as the adoption of the five-day workweek and the 52-hour workweek, arguing that the medical profession has been slow to adapt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the formation of the National Resident Doctors’ Association?

The association was formed to address and improve the “unreasonable and irrational training environment” experienced by resident physicians in South Korea, according to Nam Gi-won, a senior vice president of the union.

What were the findings of the union’s survey regarding the working hour reduction pilot program?

The survey revealed that even in hospitals participating in the pilot program, resident physicians were still working an average of close to 70 hours per week, and instances of abuse and unfair treatment were reported.

What changes are being implemented with the revised Resident Physician Act?

The revised act, effective February 21, 2026, will limit continuous working hours to 24 hours and strengthen protections for pregnant residents, with fines for violations.

As the medical landscape evolves, will these changes be enough to address the concerns of resident physicians and create a more sustainable and equitable working environment?