That's despite threat of suspension and legal action.

The nationwide strike against government plans to increase medical school admissions now onto its second week and showing no signs of resolution.

South Korea's junior doctors are not backing down.

The weeklong protests continue unabated, despite an ultimatum from the government.

They've been told to return to work or face prosecution and suspension if they do not return to hospitals this week.

(Speaking in Korean) Starting from March, it's inevitable that those who do not return will face at least a three-month suspension of their licenses and other legal actions.

Please keep in mind that the reason for the suspension of licenses will remain on the record and may affect future career prospects such as overseas employment.

More than 10,000 have resigned, forcing hospitals to turn away patients and cancel surgeries.

Authorities have begun an investigation into key officials of two medical associations of the possible legal violations related to the ongoing strike.

Police also warned they will crack down on any illegal acts doing a large-scale rally of doctors slated for next week.

The protests are meant to get the government to reverse its policy to improve medical services by increasing medical school admissions.

Having one of the world's fastest-aging populations, South Korea has been suffering from a dire shortage of doctors.

But those already in healthcare say the government should turn its sights on improving their pay and working conditions rather than adding to the numbers.

(Speaking in Korean) Doctors working in departments of internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine, which involve medical care directly related to patients' lives, all carry the burden of not knowing when they might face medical lawsuits.

(Speaking in Korean) Trainee doctors usually work more than 100 hours per week. While some may think we start our shifts at 8 am or 9 am, in reality, we begin at 4 am or 6 am. We earn around two million ($1,503) to four million won ($3,007) per month, not tens of millions of won. The current medical system in South Korea, which is a great one, is run by keeping cheap trainee doctors grinding.

Senior doctors and private practitioners who have stayed out of the walkout are also urging the government to scrap its plan, but Seoul is standing firm.

The country's education ministry says medical school admissions will increase by late March.