South Korean President Meets Striking Doctors' Leader Amid Healthcare Crisis

President Yoon Suk Yeol's meeting with the negotiator of the striking doctors shows initial flexibility but ends without clear progress, as the healthcare system faces increasing strain.

• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met with Park Dan, the negotiator for young doctors on strike, in a bid to address their concerns over working conditions and healthcare reform.
• The meeting, lasting over two hours, showed signs of Yoon's initial flexibility but ended with little progress, as Park expressed pessimism about the future of medical care in Korea.
• Thousands of trainee doctors have been on strike since February, demanding better working conditions and opposing the government's plan to increase medical school admissions.
• The strike has put significant strain on South Korea's healthcare system, with hospitals forced to turn away patients and cut back on surgeries.
• The government warns of a potential shortage of 15,000 doctors needed to maintain essential services, amidst a rapidly aging society.

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