Tattooist Who Raised the 'Tattooist Act' Found Guilty Again on Appeal

[Financial News] Do Yoon Kim, president of Tattoo Union, who was previously fined for performing tattoos without a medical license, was found guilty again in the appellate court.
On the 19th, the Criminal Appellate Division 2 of the Seoul Northern District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Kang Young-hoon, suspended the sentence and imposed a fine of 1 million won on Kim, who was indicted for violating the Medical Service Act.
A suspended sentence means that, although guilt is acknowledged, sentencing is postponed for a certain period for relatively minor offenses, and if two years pass from the date of suspension, the person is effectively exempt from punishment.
Previously, on October 31, prosecutors requested that Kim receive the same sentence as in the first trial—a fine of 5 million won.
The court made it clear that tattooing constitutes a medical practice. The court stated, "Tattooing directly involves the human body and can be performed on anatomically risky areas, so it cannot be regarded as a simple technical act."
The court added, "Given advancements in medical technology, full-body tattoos are virtually impossible to restore or remove, and minors who get tattoos also face limitations in recovery."
Regarding the Tattooist Act, which is set to take effect in 2027, the court noted, "The law stipulates safety management measures such as location restrictions and criminal penalties," and added, "Unlike ordinary professions, it is recognized that the state must provide special oversight."
Immediately after the verdict, Kim told reporters of plans to appeal. Kim commented, "This is happening due to a cultural lag," and added, "I sincerely hope the Supreme Court of Korea will deliver a proper ruling."
In December 2019, Kim was indicted for unlicensed medical practice after performing a tattoo on a celebrity client at his tattoo shop in Jongno District, Seoul, using equipment such as a tattoo machine, needles, ink, and disinfectant ethanol. The first trial court fined Kim 5 million won, and Kim appealed the decision.
Meanwhile, the Tattooist Act, which will allow non-medical professionals with proper qualifications to legally perform tattoos, will take effect in October 2027. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to establish detailed regulations, including the introduction of a national tattooist exam, before the law is implemented.
jyseo@fnnews.com Seo Ji-yoon Reporter