Plans to establish a new national medical school in South Jeolla Province have been halted due to a conflict between Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University. The core issue revolves around the integration process necessary for the medical school’s foundation. This project has been a long-held aspiration for the region, aiming to address healthcare access disparities. The integration talks have stalled, leaving the future of the medical school uncertain. Attention is now focused on Min Hyeong-bae, who will assume office in July, and his potential role in mediating the dispute and restarting the project. His leadership will be crucial in resolving the university rivalry and advancing the medical school’s establishment. The stalled project impacts regional healthcare development plans.