South Korea Approves Tattoo Artistry Legalization

The Rise of Tattoo Culture in South Korea

South Korea has long been known for its strict regulations on tattoos, but a growing movement is challenging these laws. One such individual is Song Jaemin, a popular tattoo artist based in Goyang, near Seoul. With a full schedule weeks in advance, he is highly respected by his clients, some of whom travel from abroad to see him. However, every time Song gives a tattoo, he is committing an illegal act. In South Korea, it is against the law to give tattoos without a medical license.

Song, who is 28 years old, began his career knowing the risks involved. “I started this even though I knew it was illegal, but I was confident that legal restrictions would be eased and things would change,” he said in a recent interview at his studio. He added that many tattoo artists believe they are not doing anything illegal, as there is no specific law governing their work.

This sentiment may soon become a reality. South Korea’s National Assembly is expected to pass a landmark bill that would allow non-medical personnel to give tattoos. If approved, the Tattooist Act would mark a significant victory for thousands of tattooists across the country. For years, these artists have fought to overturn a decades-old ban through rallies, constitutional appeals, and other means. Their efforts have gained momentum as public attitudes toward tattoos have evolved.

A Controversial Ban

Historically, tattoos in South Korea were associated with gangsters and criminals. However, over time, they have become more accepted as a form of self-expression. Today, it's common to see people from all walks of life with tattoos, including K-pop stars like BTS’s Jungkook, TWICE’s Chaeyoung, and BigBang’s G-Dragon.

Experts estimate that millions of South Koreans have tattoos, with about 70% of them being semi-permanent cosmetic tattoos on areas such as eyebrows, eyeliner, lips, or scalps. Despite this widespread acceptance, South Korea remains the only developed country where only licensed doctors are allowed to administer tattoos. This regulation stems from a 1992 Supreme Court ruling that viewed tattooing as a medical treatment due to potential health risks from needles and inks.

The law carries severe penalties: tattoo artists can face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 50 million won (approximately $35,740) if caught. However, enforcement of these rules is not always strict, allowing tattooists to operate in the shadows. A 2023 Health Ministry survey found that only 1.4% of respondents with personal tattoos and 6.8% with cosmetic tattoos said they were inked in hospitals.

Fears and Challenges

Many tattoo artists live under the constant threat of punishment. In recent years, judges have increasingly ruled in favor of tattoo artists or issued deferred rulings to protect them. However, some have still faced fines. Lim Bo-ran, leader of the Korea Tattoo Federation, encourages artists to appeal financial penalties to higher courts to continue their fight.

Tattooists fear that someone might report their business to authorities, leading to investigations. Some have resorted to tolerating difficult customers or running studios without signs. Others have even moved abroad for work. Kim, a 45-year-old studio owner, shared her experience of being terrified when a close friend threatened to report her business after a disagreement. Although the situation was resolved, the fear of losing everything lingers.

Lim also mentioned that some female tattooists have experienced sexual assaults but did not report them due to concerns about losing their jobs.

The Tattooist Act

The proposed Tattooist Act aims to introduce official licenses for tattoo artists. Under the new law, tattooists would need to complete annual hygiene education courses at government-designated locations. While Lim sees this as a positive development, she acknowledges that it could place additional burdens on artists by subjecting them to government supervision.

There is bipartisan support for the act, which has already passed through the assembly’s health and judiciary committees. The Health Ministry supports the legislation, and opposition from doctors has weakened. Observers suggest the earliest possible date for the act’s passage is Thursday, during a plenary session.

Meaningful Works

For many artists, tattoos are more than just body art—they are deeply meaningful. Kim, a cosmetic tattoo artist, finds fulfillment in helping her clients look better or feel more confident. She recalls memorable cases, such as cancer patients who received eyebrow tattoos before chemotherapy, which could cause them to lose their eyebrows.

Song, who won a top prize in a 2023 domestic tattoo competition, feels immense pride in creating works that his clients will carry for a lifetime. His studio has featured meaningful tattoos, including pieces depicting clients' late loved ones.

When Associated Press journalists visited Song’s studio, he was finishing a months-long project: a detailed image of Jesus Christ on the forearm of Lee Byong-joo, 37. Lee already has several other tattoos, including a tiger, whale, clouds, and words expressing longing for his late grandmother.

“I feel good because I can have pictures I like on my body forever,” Lee said. “But I can’t get more tattoos after this because my wife told me to stop.”