Tattooing Legalised In South Korea

South Korea has taken a big step toward normalizing body art. For over 30 years, the country’s strict rules meant that only medical doctors could legally give tattoos. Anyone else holding a tattoo machine risked fines or even prosecution, with a possibility of up to 5 years in prison or a 50 Million Korean Won fine (N$ 619,350). But a new law changes that.

Under the legislation passed this week, non-medical professionals will soon be able to tattoo legally, if they meet specific requirements. Aspiring artists will need to obtain a license, pass exams, and complete safety training before they can set up shop. The law is scheduled to take effect in about two years, giving both artists and regulators time to prepare.

Not everything is opening up, though. Procedures like laser tattoo removal will remain limited to medical practitioners, and social attitudes toward tattoos in South Korea remain mixed. While younger generations often see body art as a form of personal expression, some workplaces and public facilities still frown on visible ink.

For South Korea’s thriving underground tattoo scene, this law is a game changer. Artists who have been working quietly for years can finally move into the open, turning a once-hidden craft into a recognized profession.

It also has had an effect on the music and film industry, as most artists and actors have had to cover up their tattoos on official broadcasts. Where the actors have a little leeway is when the movie or series they are working on require their role to have them. However, when it comes to artists, they need to cover up with the clothing they wear or skin coloured tape.

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South Korea Performance

Now I am curious how this shift will look like after this legalisation. Will the artists and actors feel more free in their choice to get tattoos or will it take a longer time for the community at large to not have such mixed opinions? We’ll see how it goes I guess