When celebrated rapper Jay Park graces Korean television, he conceals the compass tattoo on his neck with skin-toned tape. This familiar sight highlights a long-standing social taboo: tattoos are regularly censored on public broadcasts in Seoul, reflecting a deep-seated stigma surrounding body art.
However, a monumental shift is underway. This past Thursday, the National Assembly took a significant step towards destigmatizing tattoos by passing a bill that grants legal status to tattoo artists. This means artists, who have long been forced to work in hidden studios or dimly lit backrooms, will soon be able to practice their craft openly. President Lee Jae Myung is widely expected to sign this groundbreaking legislation into law within the coming weeks.
“Now, we can proudly embrace our profession and work in inviting spaces with large windows, much like hair salons,” expressed Heo Jun-ho, who manages a vibrant tattoo parlor in Seoul.
The journey to this point has been arduous. A 1992 Supreme Court ruling controversially classified tattooing as a medical procedure, reserving its administration exclusively for licensed doctors. This left countless talented artists vulnerable to severe penalties, including fines up to $36,000 and even imprisonment.
Historically, tattoos have carried a heavy social burden in South Korea. During the Koryo dynasty (918-1392 A.D.), individuals were often marked on their faces or arms to denote crimes or slave status. More recently, in the 20th century, tattoos became unfortunately associated with criminal gangs, further cementing their negative perception.
Despite this enduring prohibition, South Korea’s tattoo industry has quietly thrived. Government estimates suggest a vibrant community of approximately 350,000 tattooists, with over a million citizens proudly sporting at least one tattoo. It’s crucial to note that while the act of tattooing was illegal for artists, getting a tattoo was not against the law for individuals.
Once the new law is enacted, artists will finally be able to obtain government-approved licenses, allowing them to practice legally and with dignity. Furthermore, all studios will be required to adhere to new, stringent hygiene and safety standards, ensuring a professional and secure environment for both artists and clients.
“We understand that we may need to renovate our studio and provide additional training for our artists to meet these new requirements, but we believe it will be immensely worthwhile for the future of our craft,” Mr. Heo enthusiastically stated.
The bill, however, wasn’t without its detractors. Some lawmakers and members of the medical community voiced concerns, arguing that tattooing remained an inherently unsafe and unhygienic practice.
The legalization of tattooing was a key promise during Mr. Lee’s 2022 presidential campaign, an election he narrowly lost to Yoon Suk Yeol. Just two months prior to that election, the Constitutional Court had narrowly upheld the illegal status of tattoos in a split 5-to-4 ruling.
However, with Mr. Yoon’s impeachment late last year, Mr. Lee secured the presidency in a special election held in June. He now has a critical two-week window to sign the bill into law, a measure that has already received public backing from his health minister.