South Korea moves to legalise tattoos

Goyang, Sep 24: In South Korea, tattooing is illegal unless performed by licensed doctors, but artists like Song Jaemin continue their work despite legal risks.

Song, a popular tattooist near Seoul, is fully booked and serves both local and international clients. The long-standing ban, rooted in a 1992 court ruling that views tattoos as medical treatment, may soon change with the proposed Tattooist Act.

The bill, backed by bipartisan support and the Health Ministry, would allow non-medical professionals to tattoo legally after completing hygiene training and obtaining licenses, following a two-year grace period.

Tattooing has become increasingly accepted in South Korea, especially among youth and celebrities. Still, many artists operate in fear of

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