South Korea's largest doctor's association has rebutted the ruling camp's argument that doctors should be held to the same standards as other professions, in relation to bill revisions that would revoke medical licenses of those found guilty of felonies.

On Monday, the Korean Medical Association(KMA) said doctors who commit serious crimes should not be dealt with in the same way as lawyers, who by the nature of their profession are upholders of the law. It said misconduct by a doctor who is responsible for the people's health should not be paralleled to that of a lawyer. 

The statement comes after the ruling Democratic Party(DP), which introduced the revisions, questioned why the KMA is protesting regulations that are already applied to other professions, such as lawyers, accountants and lawmakers.

According to the revisions, doctors that commit felonies and receive prison sentences will have their medical licenses revoked. Those who serve jail time cannot have their license reinstated for five years after the sentence is completed. It is two years for a suspended sentence.

The KMA, which has threatened a general strike should the bill move forward at the National Assembly, told a local radio program that it does not oppose the bill entirely and suggested parliament work with it on the parts it approves.