Human Rights Commission: "Urgent Review Needed for Legislation Legalizing Tattoo Procedures by Non-Medical Personnel"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] The National Human Rights Commission has expressed the opinion that discussions on legalizing tattoo procedures performed by non-medical personnel are necessary.

On the 16th, the Human Rights Commission stated in a press release, "We have expressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly the opinion that prompt handling of the tattoo-related bills currently pending in the National Assembly is necessary to prevent undue infringement on the tattoo artists' freedom to choose their profession and the clients' freedom of self-expression." The commission suggested that rather than completely banning tattoo procedures by non-medical personnel, which have become popular especially among young people, it is preferable to enact laws that institutionalize management and supervision systems.

The commission pointed out, "While most tattoo procedures, including semi-permanent makeup, are performed by non-medical personnel such as members of tattoo associations or beauticians, the current system treats tattoo procedures by non-medical personnel as 'unlicensed medical practice' and criminally punishes them, resulting in a significant gap between legislation and reality." It added, "We judged that a complete ban on tattoo procedures by non-medical personnel, even for tattoos that can effectively prevent health and hygiene risks through certain education and training under state management, excessively infringes on tattoo artists' freedom to choose their profession and unjustly restricts clients' freedom of self-expression."

According to the current Medical Service Act, tattoo artists who perform procedures without a medical license are subject to criminal punishment under the Medical Service Act and the Act on the Prevention of Health and Medical Crimes. In the 21st National Assembly, several bills legalizing tattoo procedures by non-medical personnel under certain regulations have been proposed and are pending in the Health and Welfare Committee. These include the 'Tattoo Business Act' proposed by Assembly member Ryu Ho-jeong, which stipulates tattoo artist licenses, scope of work, hygiene management obligations for tattoo businesses, and government supervision; the 'Tattoo Artist Act' (led by Assembly member Park Joo-min); and the 'Semi-Permanent Makeup Tattoo Artist Act' (led by Assembly member Eom Tae-young).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.