After decades risking arrest, South Korea's tattoo artists step into the limelight
Summary
South Korea's Supreme Court recently ruled that tattooing is no longer classified as a medical procedure, making it legal for non-medical professionals to work as tattoo artists. This decision ends a decades-long struggle by tattoo artists who faced fines, arrests, and social stigma for their work in a country where tattoos were once linked to crime.Key Facts
- Tattooing in South Korea was illegal for 34 years unless done by licensed doctors.
- The law was originally meant to ensure hygiene and safety but also reflected conservative social attitudes.
- The Supreme Court overturned the 1992 ruling, and lawmakers legalized tattooing by non-medical people in September.
- About 350,000 tattoo artists practice in South Korea despite the legal risks.
- The Tattoo Union helped provide legal support to at least 50 tattooists each year.
- Tattoo artists often faced harassment, blackmail, and violence but feared reporting problems due to the risk of being prosecuted.
- Many tattooists used pseudonyms and worked underground before legalization.
- Tattoo artists and supporters held a public celebration called Ink Bomb for the first time since 2014 after the ruling.
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