Marked for life: South Korea's tattoo artists seek legalisation

Tattoos have become more mainstream in recent years, championed by K-pop stars

Published: September 10, 2020 12:57 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

1 of 8

South Korean tattooist Doy counts Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt and members of K-Pop band EXO among his celebrity clients, but his delicate, detailed designs could land him in prison. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 8

Now he is leading a campaign for the abolition of a law that reflects tattoos' long-marginalised status in South Korea, where they were once associated almost exclusively with organised crime. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 8

While tattooing itself is not illegal, it is classed as a medical procedure and may only be carried out by a fully qualified doctor - with the law setting a minimum two-year prison sentence for violators, although judges can impose lighter penalties. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 8

Doy, whose real name is Kim Do-yoon, says the situation leaves the country's 20,000-odd tattooists vulnerable to prosecution and random raids - as well as blackmail by malicious or dissatisfied clients. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 8

Earlier this year, he established the country's first tattoo artists' union and will soon ask the Constitutional Court to legalise tattooing by non-doctors. But after media reports featuring his union activities, someone - who has not been publicly identified - filed a criminal complaint and Doy now faces a police inquiry. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 8

According to the Korea Tattoo Association - a separate organisation to Doy's union - at least a million people have inked their skin in the country and the illicit but growing industry is worth about 200 billion won ($170 million) a year. | Tattoo artist Seo Uri. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 8

But despite their newfound popularity, tattoos can still carry negative connotations, especially at workplaces in South Korea, with public broadcasters often blurring them out. | Tattoo artist Seo Uri receives a tattoo from Kim Chan-jik at a studio in Seoul. Image Credit: AFP

8 of 8

Medical doctors strongly oppose legalising tattooing, saying doing so would "endanger" Koreans. Getting inked by non-doctors could lead to "a serious infection or allergic reactions", an official at the Korea Medical Association said. Image Credit: AFP

Photos Lifestyle

Marked for life: South Korea's tattoo artists seek legalisation

More From Photos

India BJP’s election videos targeting Muslims, opposition spark outrage; third phase of elections on Tuesday

ISC, ICSE 2024 results declared: 99.47% pass 10th, 98.19% in 12th exams

Fake videos of Modi aides trigger political showdown in India election

India's CBSE results 2024: Class 10, 12 board results likely to be declared after May 20

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Marked for life: South Korea's tattoo artists seek legalisation

More From Photos

India BJP’s election videos targeting Muslims, opposition spark outrage; third phase of elections on Tuesday

ISC, ICSE 2024 results declared: 99.47% pass 10th, 98.19% in 12th exams

Fake videos of Modi aides trigger political showdown in India election

India's CBSE results 2024: Class 10, 12 board results likely to be declared after May 20

GULFNEWS SECTIONS