On November 18, 2025, Yonam University made a remarkable announcement that sent ripples through the academic and medical communities across South Korea: all 19 of its medical school candidates who sat for the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination’s practical test passed, achieving a perfect 100% success rate. This outstanding result stands in stark contrast to the national average pass rate of 81.8%, underscoring Yonam University’s unwavering commitment to educational excellence and innovation, even amid challenging circumstances.
For those familiar with Yonam University’s track record, this news may not come as a complete surprise. Since the introduction of the practical component to the National Medical Licensing Examination in 2010, Yonam University has consistently outperformed the national average, boasting 12 consecutive years of full cohort passes. But this year’s achievement carries special weight, given the headwinds faced by the institution and its students.
The 2025 academic year posed significant hurdles for Yonam University’s medical faculty. The school contended with a large-scale student leave of absence, which could have easily disrupted educational continuity and morale. Instead, the university doubled down on its efforts to maintain and even elevate educational standards. According to Yonam University, both the central administration and the medical school leadership undertook a sweeping set of reforms, ranging from curriculum redesign to the introduction of advanced, individualized training programs.
One of the key pillars of Yonam University’s success has been its commitment to tailored, skill-based education. The medical school invested heavily in developing and strengthening a suite of practical training programs. These included specialized courses aimed at clinical competence, intensive workshops, and hands-on special lectures that targeted the varying needs and skill levels of students. As reported by Newsis, these “level-specific practical education programs” were designed to directly enhance students’ clinical performance capabilities, giving them the tools and confidence to excel in real-world medical scenarios.
But Yonam University’s ambitions go beyond just passing rates. The institution has been at the forefront of digital transformation in medical education. Building on its educational innovation support projects, Yonam University established an AI-powered digital education hub, aiming to create a future-oriented framework for medical training. This digital platform, as highlighted by the university, is not just about keeping up with trends—it’s about equipping the next generation of doctors with the skills and adaptability needed for an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.
Leadership played a crucial role in steering these initiatives. Lee Geun-mi, the university’s vice dean for academic affairs, took on a prominent role as the chair of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Clinical Performance Assessment Consortium. In this capacity, Lee spearheaded the advancement of regional practical education and evaluation systems, contributing significantly to Yonam University’s competitive edge. By fostering collaboration and standardization across institutions in the region, Yonam University has helped raise the bar for medical education not just within its walls, but throughout the broader community.
The university’s president, Choi Oe-chul, did not mince words when reflecting on the accomplishment. “This 100% pass rate is a valuable result achieved together by students who gave their best under difficult circumstances, the dedicated faculty in the field, and all university members who joined forces for the normalization of academic affairs,” he stated, as quoted by Segye Ilbo. Choi went on to emphasize the collective effort required to maintain educational quality during a period marked by uncertainty and disruption. He added, “Although it was not an easy situation due to the large-scale leave of absence, the university has actively supported the maintenance of educational quality and stable academic operations. We will continue to improve the educational environment and support each and every student so that they can grow into the best medical professionals, contributing to the improvement of the quality of life not only in Korea but also for humanity.”
This sentiment was echoed across multiple news outlets. According to Newsis, the university’s administration took proactive steps to ensure the normalization of academic operations, including overhauling classes and curricula to adapt to the unique challenges of the year. These reforms were not just reactive measures; they were part of a broader strategy to future-proof Yonam University’s medical education and to ensure that every student—regardless of circumstance—could reach their full potential.
Yonam University’s unwavering pursuit of excellence is further evidenced by its longstanding streak of national recognition. Since 2010, the university has received continuous national approval, marking this year as its 12th consecutive cohort to achieve a perfect pass rate. The consistency of these results is a testament to the institution’s robust educational framework and its ability to adapt and thrive, even when faced with adversity.
But what does this achievement mean for the wider medical community in South Korea? For one, it sets a new benchmark for what is possible in medical education. By combining traditional strengths—such as rigorous practical training and strong faculty mentorship—with cutting-edge digital platforms and regional collaboration, Yonam University is charting a path that other institutions may well seek to follow. The success of its students in the national examination is not just a point of pride; it’s a signal that the university’s holistic, student-centered approach is yielding tangible results.
Looking ahead, Yonam University is not resting on its laurels. The institution is accelerating efforts to build a “glocal” (global and local) medical talent pool, aiming to blend international best practices with the unique needs of the local community. The AI-based digital education hub is expected to play an even greater role in this vision, supporting research and development to further enhance the quality and relevance of its medical training.
In a year when many might have expected standards to slip amid widespread disruption, Yonam University has not only maintained its reputation but elevated it. The 100% pass rate for the 90th National Medical Licensing Examination’s practical test is more than just a statistic—it’s the culmination of years of innovation, resilience, and collective effort. For students, faculty, and the broader community, it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when commitment to excellence is matched by bold, adaptive leadership.
With its eyes set firmly on the future, Yonam University is poised to continue shaping not just competent doctors, but leaders in healthcare who can make a difference locally and globally.
