South Korea legalizes tattooing by non -medical specialists

South Korea legalizes the artistry of the tattoo by non -medical professionals for the first time in more than 30 years, after a campaign by members of the profession of work without fear of prosecution or harassment.

Although tattoos are common in the Eastern Asian nation, their supply is limited to medical specialists following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling.

But after the adoption of the Tattoo Law from the General Assembly on Thursday, the non -medical specialists – who make up the bigger part of the industry – will be able to obtain a license.

Lim Bo-Ran, President of the Korean Tattoo Federation, shouted at the adoption of the law, saying, “I can’t talk because he feels like a dream. I’m really grateful.”

Between 1992 and now anyone who offers tattoos without medical powers, up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million Korean won ($ 35,000; 28,000 British pounds).

There are no official statistics on how many tattoos are persecuted, but South Korea The Union of Tattooing says that this gives legal support to at least 50 each year and thinks that there are many more that leads to fines.

By 2021, there were about 350,000 tattoo artists in the country, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the most of which were specialized in semi-permanent makeup for lips, eyebrows or hair.

But relatively few of them have a medical qualification. Instead, most come from art or beauty like elsewhere in the world.

Through technical participation in illegal practice, tattoo artists in South Korea have been threatened or reported by disgruntled clients.

A female tattoo artist who passes past the nickname, told the BBC earlier to have been sexually harassed by a man after tattooing him but did not report the incident of the authorities for fear of being persecuted.

Another who passed Banul was reported to police by a client who wanted five million Korean won ($ 3,500; 2,800 British pounds) after asking for evidence that he had smeared.

But in recent years, the South Korean courts have justified several tattoo artists, signaling a change in attitudes.

Park Ju-Min, chairman of the Committee on Health and Welfare of the National Assembly and the main legislative adherent of the law, noted that many politicians in the chamber have eyebrows or lip tattoos.

He said that the adoption of the law would allow “citizens to receive tattoos safely, and those who deal with the tattoo will be recognized as legal specialists.”

However, the change in the law is confronted with the opposition of the medical community of South Korea.

Prior to its passage, the Korean Medical Association said tattooing “not only damages the skin, but may also be other health risks, including interference with cancer diagnosis.”

He said “tattooing is a major medical procedure and its increasing popularity does not reduce their associated risks.”

There are also some in the industry who believe that despite their popularity among young people and increasing fame in the culture of influence, the change of law will not turn the stigma to tattoos. Recent studies of public opinion suggest that the majority of South Koreans still look at them negatively.

Although the ban on tattoos will no longer be a permanent characteristic of South Korean society, its removal can completely be a slow and painful process.

The new law will come into force in just two years, with tattoo artists having to pass a national exam, complete the safety and hygiene training and keep detailed records.

The removal of tattoos made with the help of a laser will still be limited to medical professionals.

Additionally reported by Yuna I Am am