Tattoo artists express mixed feelings as Korea nears end of ban on non-medical procedures

"I feel like I could fly. But on the other hand, I feel bitter with the thought, 'Why only now?'"

This was the sentiment of tattoo artists at 'Green Lab,' the office of the Tattooist Union in Myeonmok-dong, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, when visited on the 23rd.

Following the Supreme Court's recent decision that non-medical practitioners cannot be punished for unlicensed medical practice, the industry is on the verge of being incorporated into the formal system. However, the expressions of the tattoo artists met here were not entirely bright.

The 'Tattooist Act,' which will permit non-medical tattoo procedures, is also set to take effect in October next year.

However, current practitioners expressed regret over the 'too late normalization.'

Do-i, a tattoo artist who conducted a seminar on tattoo methods at Green Lab that day, said, "The fact that non-medical tattoo procedures were illegal was an extreme case of cultural lag. This ruling is in the same context as the abolition of the family registry system (Hoju system)."

Do-i, who started working as a tattooist in 2005, is an artist who has built a reputation overseas, having received work requests from top Hollywood stars like Brad Pitt, Lily Collins, and Steven Yeun.

Do-i said, "I feel liberated that tattooing is no longer called a medical procedure," but confessed, "I feel skeptical that it took 34 years to overturn the precedent of 'tattoo = medical procedure.'"

Korea was the only country in the world where tattoo procedures were effectively classified as illegal.

In Japan, which, like Korea, considered non-medical tattoo procedures illegal, the Supreme Court ruled in 2020 that 'tattoos are not medical procedures.' Korea is six years behind.

Do-i stated that in Korea, several tattoo artists have passed away due to the pressure they faced during investigations for performing tattoo work while being caught by authorities.

Another tattoo artist met at the seminar also showed a mix of emotions.

Su-yo, a tattoo artist with four years of experience, said, "We had many difficulties from the consultation stage due to the negative perception of tattoos. I expect the situation to improve in the future, but there is a sense of emptiness because it is too late compared to other countries."

Melanji, a tattoo artist with five years of experience, said, "I have often heard cases of tattoo artists being reported or investigated. I am relieved that such incidents will likely decrease now."

The tattoo industry emphasizes that it has established a thorough hygiene management system in cooperation with the medical community, including Green Hospital.

As the argument that non-medical tattoo procedures should be restricted due to the risk of infection was raised, they explained that they have put effort into developing the safety management capabilities of tattoo artists.

In fact, Green Hospital, located a 3-minute walk from Green Lab, published 'Infection Management for Tattoo Artists' and 'Hygiene Guide for Tattoo Studios' in 2020, establishing guidelines for hygienic tattoo work.

The guidelines include hand hygiene and sterilization/disinfection regulations, studio operation standards, and management plans for blood-borne infectious diseases.

Do-i emphasized, "Green Hospital has formed a TFT (Task Force Team) including Director Lim Sang-hyuk, and has been providing free hygiene education to union members for 5-6 years. We have established infection management guidelines that are recognized by the medical community."

A congratulatory flower wreath from the Green Hospital Infection Control Department was prominently displayed inside Green Lab.

During the demonstration of lettering work on paper that day, Do-i wore sterile gloves and followed the procedures, while participants took notes and paid close attention.

Lee So-mi, senior deputy branch manager of Tattoo Union, emphasized, "With this ruling as an opportunity, more junior tattoo artists will emerge. We must work together to create an environment where artistic laborers can be protected within the system."