South Korean medical students have announced their return to school after a 17-month boycott stemming from ongoing disputes with the government over medical education reforms. The students called for measures to normalize academic affairs as they resume their studies. This return marks a critical phase in resolving the prolonged standoff between the medical community and authorities. Discussions between lawmakers, including a scheduled meeting on July 14 between lawmaker Park Ju-min and resident doctors, are expected to be pivotal in restoring normalcy to the healthcare education system. Despite the students' return, challenges remain, including debates over flexible academic policies and concerns about leniency in addressing the issues that led to the boycott. The boycott was initially a protest against policies linked to the ousted South Korean president.