GOYANG, South Korea: The country's National Assembly is expected to pass the Tattooist Act, which would formally allow non-medical professionals to give tattoos. For tens of thousands of tattooists in South Korea, this would mark a historic victory after decades of protests, constitutional appeals, and public campaigns against the ban.
Tattoo artists like Song Jaemin can heave a sigh of relief. He draws clients from across the country and abroad, but every tattoo he gives technically violates the law, as only licensed medical professionals are currently allowed to perform tattooing in the country.
"I began even knowing it was illegal, but I believed the rules would eventually change," said Song, 28, speaking at his studio in Goyang near Seoul. "Many tattoo artists feel we are not doing anything wrong—there's just no law for us."
That change may soon arrive. "I think I'll shed tears," said Kim Sho-yun, 45, who runs a cosmetic tattoo studio in Hanam. "It would lift a long-accumulated burden off my mind."
Historically, tattoos in South Korea were associated with gangsters and criminals, but attitudes have shifted. Tattoos are now embraced as self-expression, visible on K-pop stars like BTS's Jungkook, TWICE's Chaeyoung, and BigBang's G-Dragon. Experts estimate millions of South Koreans have tattoos, about 70 percent of which are semi-permanent cosmetic tattoos on eyebrows, lips, eyelines, or scalps.
Despite their popularity, only licensed doctors are allowed to tattoo under a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, which classified tattooing as a medical procedure due to health risks. Tattooists risk up to five years in prison or fines of 50 million won (US$35,740), though enforcement is limited. A 2023 Health Ministry survey found that just 1.4 percent of personal tattoos and 6.8 percent of cosmetic tattoos were performed in hospitals.
Song, winner of a top domestic tattoo prize in 2023, serves clients ranging from police officers and soldiers to U.S. troops and international visitors from China, the U.K., Malaysia, and Iraq. Judges have increasingly deferred or dismissed cases against tattooists, though fines remain a threat. Many artists face harassment, customer abuse, or even threats of legal action, prompting some to move abroad for safety.
The Tattooist Act would introduce official licensing, requiring annual hygiene courses at government-approved centers. While the law would place tattooists under government oversight, advocates like Lim Bo-ran of the Korea Tattoo Federation say it is a long-awaited recognition of their profession. With bipartisan support and Health Ministry backing, the act could pass as early as September 25, following a two-year grace period before enforcement.
