The South Korean government confirmed its intention to deal "flexibly" with the issue of suspending the licenses of trainee doctors who defy the order to return to work, and to move towards participating in a dialogue with the medical community, according to what the South Korean radio network "KBS World" reported today, Monday.

In a press statement issued yesterday, Sunday, the Ministry of Health welcomed the statement of the Korean Medical Professors Association, which expressed its readiness to enter into a constructive dialogue with the government during a meeting with the ruling People Power Party.

The ministry intends to take steps to prepare for talks with the medical community through consultation with the Government Policy Coordination Office to ensure the dialogue starts soon.

The ministry said it will also consult with the ruling party to find a flexible way to deal with the issue of suspending the licenses of trainee doctors in order to reduce the current medical gap.

The step comes after President Yoon Suk-yeol urged Prime Minister Han Duck-soo yesterday to consult with the party to adopt a flexible stance. Yoon also asked Han to form a "constructive advisory body" to enhance dialogue with healthcare workers.

The order was issued at the request of the interim president of the ruling People Power Party, "Han Don-heon," following his talks with a group of medical professors earlier.

It is noted that Monday is the deadline for trainee doctors who have been notified by the government order to return to work to clarify their position. If they miss the deadline, their medical licenses may be suspended as of tomorrow, Tuesday.