[On-site Video] "Are Tattoos Really Illegal?" Tattoo Artist Sighs Over Illegality Controversy

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, PD Yoon Jin-geun] "I hope the law will be changed quickly."

On the 16th, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea (NHRCK) expressed the opinion that the National Assembly should take action to improve the current legal system under which non-medical tattoo practitioners are subject to criminal punishment, drawing attention to the legalization of tattooing.

Under current law, tattooing is interpreted as a medical practice, and those without a medical license who perform tattooing are subject to punishment for violating the Medical Service Act. However, the tattoo market, including semi-permanent makeup, is not small, and public opinion is not entirely negative about the concept of tattoos itself. The controversy surrounding tattoo legalization continues. Industry insiders urged prompt legal revision, saying they are caught between illegality and legality.

Public perception of tattoos is mainly positive among young people. In a June last year Gallup Korea survey of 1,002 people aged 18 and over, 51% supported the legalization of tattoos. The approval rates were highest among those aged 18-29 (81%), followed by those in their 30s (64%) and 40s (60%). Only those aged 60 and over showed more opposition (59%), and 28% of respondents had semi-permanent makeup (10% men, 45% women).

On November 3rd last year, citizens participating in the Tattoo Open Beta Service event held in front of the National Assembly Members' Office Building are showing tattoo stickers.

Additionally, according to a 2018 Embrain Trend Monitor survey of 1,000 adults aged 19 to 59 nationwide, 70.9% of respondents said "public perception of tattoos has become much more tolerant than in the past." The response "tattoos are a way to express oneself" reached 52.9%.

The Korea Tattoo Association estimates that there are 3 million people with tattoo experience, and including semi-permanent makeup, the number reaches 13 million. There are 20,000 tattooists performing 500,000 procedures annually, about 1,000 tattoo clubs on portals, and the tattoo market is estimated at 1.2 trillion KRW per year.

Industry insiders complain that since they cannot be recognized as a profession, they sometimes feel a sense of self-deprecation and even face reports against them.

Tattooist Narssi (pseudonym, 31) said, "The most uncomfortable thing is that I cannot pay taxes separately, so I am unable to do what I should as a citizen," adding, "Since tattooing is not legal, I cannot open a tattoo shop with peace of mind or say 'I do this kind of work' anywhere."

Given this situation, calls for prompt legal revision continue. Shin Jeong-seop, president of the International Tattoo Artists Association, said, "It is regrettable that a law decided 30 years ago is still applied in the same way." He added, "When getting married, there are loan issues, tax issues, and social career interruptions. These parts feel the most difficult," and criticized, "Although I started this (tattooist) work with my own beliefs, I have been investigated multiple times, written statements, and put my fingerprint."

Meanwhile, the NHRCK Standing Committee stated to the Speaker of the National Assembly on the same day, "Legislation should be enacted to institutionalize the tattooing system to enhance the professionalism and safety of tattoo procedures, and to ensure that the freedom of occupational choice of practitioners and the freedom of self-expression of clients are not infringed," and "prompt handling of tattoo-related bills pending in the National Assembly is necessary."

The NHRCK emphasized the changing times and noted that negative perceptions among the public are disappearing. The commission explained the purpose of the discussion, saying, "The tattoo population is increasing mainly among the younger generation with a strong desire for artistic self-expression," and "Famous people with tattoos can be easily found through mass media, and tattoos such as semi-permanent makeup are becoming popular among the general public, increasing social acceptance."