Kim Won-yi, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party, ended his hunger strike on November 9 after 11 days, following persuasion from party leader Kim Min-seok. He was subsequently transported to a hospital.
Kim Min-seok and floor leader Han Byeong-do visited Kim at the National Assembly, expressing concern for his health and urging him to stop the hunger strike.
In response, Kim Won-yi requested increased national funding, citing the heavy financial burden on the Mokpo branch of Chonnam National University Hospital. He was then taken away by ambulance.
Local lawmakers from the Jeonnam and Gwangju region held a press conference in front of the National Assembly, calling for the enhancement of medical infrastructure in the western part of Jeonnam and Gwangju.
They stated, "We sincerely wish for the swift recovery of Kim Won-yi, who is facing severe health risks. His decision to risk his life reflects the urgent voices of residents in the western region of Jeonnam and Gwangju."
They further emphasized, "The sense of loss and concern over the medical void felt by residents in the western part of Jeonnam and Gwangju due to the failure to establish a national medical school is extremely serious. Immediate and groundbreaking measures to ensure the right to life for residents must be implemented without delay."
Previously, on November 4, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare selected Suncheon University and Kyungpook National University for the establishment of new medical schools, aiming for a 2030 opening. Kim Won-yi initiated his hunger strike to demand a reevaluation of the decision that excluded Mokpo University from the selection process.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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