South Korea has legalized tattooing by non-medical professionals for the first time in nearly 30 years, allowing tattoo artists to work without fear of prosecution.
Since a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, tattooing had been restricted to medical professionals. Anyone practicing without a medical certificate faced up to five years in prison or fines of up to 50 million won ($35,000). Despite the ban, the tattoo industry flourished, with an estimated 350,000 tattooists operating in the country, most specializing in lip, eyebrow, or hair makeup.
The new law, passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday, will allow non-medical professionals—who make up the majority of the industry—to obtain licenses after passing a national exam and completing safety and hygiene training. Laser tattoo removal, however, will remain restricted to medical professionals.
Lim Bo-ran, president of the Korea Tattoo Association, expressed her emotions as the bill passed: “I can’t even talk, because this is like a dream. I’m really grateful.”
The law is expected to provide legal protection to tattoo artists, who have often faced fines or harassment, and will allow citizens to get tattoos safely. In recent years, South Korean courts have acquitted several tattooists, signaling a shift in public attitudes.
However, the medical community has voiced concerns. The Korean Medical Association warned that tattooing can damage skin and pose other health risks, including interfering with cancer diagnosis.
The law will take effect in two years, giving tattooists time to meet the new licensing requirements.
