A tattoo artist at work in South Korea, where the Tattooist Act may soon legalise the profession
GOYANG (South Korea), Sept 24: South Korea is on the brink of legalising tattoo artistry, with the National Assembly expected to pass the Tattooist Act, a landmark bill that would allow non-medical professionals to practice tattooing legally after decades of restrictions.
Currently, only licensed doctors are legally permitted to give tattoos in South Korea, under a 1992 Supreme Court ruling that classified tattooing as a medical procedure. Tattooists without medical licenses risk up to five years in prison and fines of up to 50 million won (USD 35,740). However, the law has rarely been strictly enforced, allowing thousands of artists to operate underground.
“Many tattoo artists think we are not doing illegal things and there is just no law for us,” said Song Jaemin, a popular tattooist in Goyang, who serves clients from South Korea and abroad. “If the act passes, it will take a long-accumulated load off my mind,” added another tattooist, Kim Sho-yun, who runs a cosmetic tattoo studio.
The new law would create official licenses for tattooists, requiring them to undergo annual hygiene education at designated centres. While this regulation introduces government oversight, it is seen as a major victory for the country’s tattoo community, which has long fought against the ban through rallies, court appeals, and public campaigns.
Public attitudes toward tattoos have changed dramatically in recent years, shifting away from their past association with crime and gang culture. Millions of South Koreans now sport tattoos, including cosmetic tattoos for eyebrows, lips, and scalps. K-pop icons like BTS’s Jungkook, TWICE’s Chaeyoung, and BigBang’s G-Dragon have also popularised tattoo culture.
Still, tattooists have operated under constant fear of punishment. Some say they endured harassment, threats of being reported, or unsafe working conditions. Others moved abroad to practice freely.
The Tattooist Act, backed by bipartisan support and the Health Ministry, could pass as early as this week. Once enacted, it will take effect after a two-year grace period, paving the way for recognition of tattooing as a legal profession in South Korea.
“There is no limit in tattoos. Whatever you draw on paper, we can also do on human bodies,” Song said, as he completed a months-long tattoo of Jesus Christ for a client. “It gives me tremendous pride to leave something meaningful on someone’s body forever.”
📲 Follow our WhatsApp ChannelSource: Associated Press (AP)
Labels: South Korea, Tattooist Act, Legalisation, Culture, Asia
Tags: #SouthKorea #TattooAct #TattooLegalisation #Kpop #TattooCulture
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