SEOUL - On Friday, the South Korean government issued a public order demanding that 13 doctors, some of whom have been vocal about a recent walkout by approximately 9,000 physicians protesting a health system reform plan, return to work immediately or face potential penalties.

This move underscores the government's firm stance towards trainee doctors participating in the walkout or criticizing the reform initiative. The Health Ministry published a notice on its website containing the license numbers and hospital affiliations of the targeted doctors, warning of possible license suspensions or criminal charges for non-compliance.

While the identities of the doctors were partially obscured, it's evident that at least some are trainee doctors who have been outspoken about the walkout, including Park Dan, the leader of the Korea Interns and Residents Association.

This action follows a recent police raid on officials of the Korean Medical Association as authorities intensify efforts to quell the ongoing walkout. Despite the government's ultimatum given on Thursday for doctors to return to work, the majority of trainee doctors, nearly 9,000, have chosen to remain on strike.

In response to the government's plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in 2025 to address a perceived shortage of doctors in an ageing society, doctors are planning a large-scale demonstration on Sunday to express their opposition.