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Lee Jae-myung (right), presidential primary candidate of the Democratic Party, speaks with Seo Yoo-seok, chairman of the Korea Financial Investment Association, during a policy forum on revitalizing capital markets held at the association’s headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 21. / Song Ui-joo, Yonhap News

Democratic Party presidential contender Lee Jae-myung on April 21 pledged to build a society where no citizen has to worry about falling ill, unveiling a comprehensive healthcare reform plan centered on establishing a public medical school, adjusting medical school enrollment quotas, and creating an integrated care system.

“Our country has made great strides in expanding health insurance coverage and developing a high-quality medical system in a relatively short time,” Lee wrote on Facebook. “That progress was made possible by the dedication of healthcare professionals working tirelessly on the front lines.”

However, he pointed out that inequalities persist. “Access to medical services still depends heavily on where you live and whether you have private insurance,” he said. “Too many people can’t find a nearby hospital when they’re sick, and the barriers to care are rising.”

Lee proposed three core initiatives: strengthening public healthcare, rationalizing med school quotas, and building a seamless care system that connects treatment, nursing, and daily support.

He pledged to establish a public medical school to train essential medical professionals and expand digital-based public hospitals to reduce regional gaps in care. He also promised to boost support for local hospitals to transform them into public healthcare hubs.

Lee called for reforming the national health insurance system to ensure financial sustainability and improve patient safety and rights.

On the controversial issue of medical school quotas, Lee said the recent conflict between doctors and the government left the public as the greatest victim. “We must end the division and return to dialogue,” he said, calling for a new social consensus that considers advancements in AI and medical technology.

Regarding care integration, he committed to building a connected system linking healthcare, nursing, and long-term care services. “Based on the Integrated Care Support Act taking effect next year, we will establish a sustainable, community-based system where no one is left behind,” he said.