The possible closure of the Hospital de la Amistad Corea-México in Mérida has sparked outrage among the Korean community in Yucatán, who see it as a grave disrespect to South Korea. This nation financed and equipped the facility. The hospital, vital for low-cost pediatric care, is now at the center of protests and diplomatic concern.
- The Hospital de la Amistad Corea-México was inaugurated as a gift from South Korea to commemorate the centenary of Korean migration to Mexico.
- It has provided affordable pediatric services to families without social security coverage.
- South Korean companies, including LG, have continued donating equipment, reinforcing the hospital’s symbolic and practical importance.
Community Reaction
- Mirley Ramírez Guerrero, a fifth-generation descendant of Korean immigrants, denounced the closure as a betrayal of Yucatán’s word and a stain on its reputation.
- The Korean community in Yucatán expressed indignation, emphasizing that the hospital represents the legacy of their ancestors.
- News of the situation has already reached South Korea, with coverage by broadcaster KBS, raising concerns about international repercussions.
Upcoming Protests
- A group called Mamás Corea, composed of mothers whose children receive care at the hospital, has organized a protest on Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m. in front of the Palacio de Gobierno in Mérida.
- The demonstration aims to pressure Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena to reconsider the decision and preserve the hospital’s services.
Diplomatic and Social Implications
- Closing the hospital would not only harm local families but also damage Yucatán’s international image, especially ahead of Día de Corea in Yucatán on May 4.
- The move risks undermining decades of goodwill between South Korea and Mexico, jeopardizing future cooperation and cultural ties.
The Hospital de la Amistad stands as both a symbol of friendship and a lifeline for vulnerable families. Its closure could trigger lasting diplomatic fallout and deepen social unrest in Yucatán. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the state government preserves this emblematic institution or risks erasing a century-old legacy.
Source: Sol de Yucatan
