Why are tattoos illegal in South Korea?
Why are Tattoos illegal in South Korea? Tattooing is no longer a special act performed by only a few. In Korea, it was easy to think of gangsters in the past when it comes to tattoos, especially in front of the word "tattoo," and even if not, it is true that a little "bad" image came to mind. But now it's different. It's easy to see a tattooist in South Korea. There are also many K-POP artists who get tattoos.
BTS Jungkook Tattoo, Korebu
Each person has various shapes and sizes of tattoos and different locations. Some people tattoo their arms, upper body, and lower body with colorful and large noticeable tattoos, while others tattoo simple letters on their ankles, waist, and neck. In other words, in Korea, tattoos are no longer practiced by only a specific group or minority, but are becoming a means of expressing the individuality of citizens in general.
Finantial News
Currently, South Korea is paying keen attention to enacting a law to legalize tattoos. Last year, DOY, a tattooist, was tried in the first trial on charges of unlicensed medical practices, making it a hot topic in the industry. Of course, the discussion on legalizing tattoos in Korea is not the first time. In fact, bills related to the legalization of tattoos have been proposed at the National Assembly every decade.
The tattoo industry has also consistently called for legalization, and the medical community has faced this. However, while this situation continues, tattoos have become more and more popular, and people's perception has changed a lot from the past. In addition, last year, the news of Japan's legal tattoo ruling was reported, and the debate over the direction of Korea, which has become the world's only illegal tattoo country, is becoming more active.
Then, why are Tattoos illegal in South Korea in the first place? Also, how are other countries' tattoo-related laws enacted, and is there a possibility of legalization?
BBC Korea
Unlicensed medical Act
In Korea, tattooing currently constitutes an "unlicensed medical act." Tattoo procedures may be performed only by a person with a doctor's license pursuant to Article 27 (1) of the Medical Act, and violations may be punished by imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 20 million won under Article 87 of the same Act.
In 1992, the Supreme Court defined that "medical behavior refers to not only preventing and treating diseases, but also acts that may cause health and hygiene harm if not performed by medical personnel," and ruled illegal for non-medical tattooing on the grounds that workers may touch the dermis and transmit diseases according to how tattoo needles are used.
Asia Economy
The medical community and the tattoo industry have long expressed conflicting positions on the tattoo procedure of non-medical people. The medical community argues that tattoo procedures are an "invasive" medical practice that hurts the skin, and that if non-medical personnel undergo tattoos, they can directly affect life and health.
In addition to primary skin damage, skin diseases such as skin abscesses and warts, as well as syphilis through blood, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, and AIDS are likely to occur. However, the tattoo industry argues that the environment and situation of front-line tattooists and tattoo shops have changed a lot since the Supreme Court ruled in 1992 and that fostering the industry is a solution, especially if hygiene risks are a problem.
Oh My News
Japan's decision to legalize tattoos
The 2020 Supreme Court ruling of Japan has recently received the most attention in Korea regarding legislation related to overseas tattoos. Until recently, Japan's tattoo procedure was judged to be illegal medical practice like Korea, but recently, the Japanese Supreme Court, which is equivalent to Korea's Supreme Court, recognized tattoo as an art act, not a medical act. As a result, non-medical tattoo procedures have been virtually decriminalized in Japan.
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Changes in Koreans' Perception of Tattoo
In fact, tattoo-related perceptions among the public have changed significantly. According to a related survey, Korean consumers' perception of tattoo behavior has consistently changed. Comparing the results of the survey between 2014 and 2018, the category of "tattoo awareness has become more generous than in the past" rose from 68.8% to 70.9%, and the category of "korean tattoo is now common around us" increased from 47.5% to 65.2%, showing the general public's perception of tattoo popularization.
Tattoo is aimed not an act of a kind of beauty treatment act or art form, corresponding to the unique skills and abilities is needed.As a result, required for the Tattoo and qualified separately, tools a suitable environment in procedures, tools, hygiene control, procedures, procedures and methods concerning the dye restrictions and regulations, not enough?
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How Generation Z enjoys illegal tattoos, 'Temporary Tattoo'
While tattoos are still illegal in Korea, the desire to express oneself using body parts is growing. Temporary tattoos have emerged as an alternative. You can temporarily enjoy tattoos by transferring tattoo designs to the skin surface that is popular in Korea.
In particular, in the case of Freaky Nine's dry temporary tattoo, you can remove oil from the area where you want to engrave the water pattern, attach a sticker without using water, press it hard, and take it off. It is performed only by body temperature and pressure. The tattoo design is usually maintained within a week. It has recently gained a lot of popularity among young people in that consumers can directly choose various designs for this convenience.