SEOUL — A record number of students withdrew from South Korea’s top three universities in 2024, with data suggesting that many left to pursue medical school opportunities following the government’s expansion of medical quotas for the first time in nearly three decades.

According to data released on August 31 by Jongro Academy, a total of 2,481 students left Seoul National University (SNU), Yonsei University, and Korea University this year — the highest since the Ministry of Education began tracking such figures in 2007.

This marks a 16.7% increase from 2023, when 2,126 students exited the elite institutions. Withdrawals include both official dropouts and students who took extended leaves of absence without returning.

“It is estimated that a majority of the students took the college entrance exam to apply for medical schools,” Jongro Academy said in its report.

📊 By the Numbers:

• Korea University: 1,054 withdrawals

• Yonsei University: 942 withdrawals

• Seoul National University (SNU): 485 withdrawals

The trend reflects increasing interest in medical careers as South Korea, facing a doctor shortage and aging population, recently expanded medical school seats — the first such move in 27 years.

Despite the government deciding to reduce next year’s medical school quota, the appeal of stable, high-paying medical professions continues to attract top-performing students, especially from STEM backgrounds.

🎓 Withdrawals by Academic Field:

• Natural Sciences: 1,494 students

• Humanities: 917 students

• Arts/Sports: 70 students

Compared to 2022:

• Humanities withdrawals rose by 154 (↑20.2%)

• Natural Sciences withdrawals rose by 173 (↑13.1%)

🧠 What’s Driving the Shift?

Analysts say the lure of medicine is driven by:

• High income stability

• Prestige

• Perceived job security

• Rising demand for healthcare workers

Meanwhile, other traditional academic paths — especially in humanities and social sciences — are seen as less economically viable amid a tightening job market.

“Students at the top three universities are expected to maintain their preference for medical schools for some time,” Jongro Academy noted.

📌 What’s Next?

The trend has sparked debate within academia and among policymakers, with some experts warning of a brain drain from key non-medical sectors, and others calling for broader education and labor market reforms to balance societal needs.