Chinese Embassy in Korea: "Some Have Lost Lives Undergoing Plastic Surgery in Korea... Caution Advised"

"Don't Blindly Trust Ads, Choose Legitimate Institutions"

The Chinese Embassy in Korea has issued a warning to its nationals visiting Korea for plastic surgery, cautioning that there may be risks of casualties.

On the 19th, the Chinese Embassy in Korea posted a notice on its official WeChat (微信, the Chinese version of KakaoTalk) account stating, "Many foreigners visit Korea for cosmetic plastic surgery, but some get involved in medical disputes, and there are frequent cases of surgical failures that even result in loss of life."

The embassy urged people not to blindly follow advertisements but to carefully consider the risks and aftereffects of surgery, and to choose legitimate intermediary agencies, medical institutions, and specialists. It also emphasized, "You should keep documents such as surgery contracts, medical records, and payment receipts, and if a medical dispute arises, resolve it through mediation or litigation via the Korea Medical Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Agency."

[Image source=Pixabay]

Previously, a 20-year-old Chinese woman who underwent liposuction at a plastic surgery clinic in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, died on the 10th. The woman entered Korea in November last year and underwent liposuction three times. She later complained of pain and was transferred to a university hospital for treatment but ultimately passed away.

The embassy also stated, "If there is a relatively significant change in appearance after surgery or if you are still in the recovery phase, you should carry proof of surgery when entering or leaving the country to avoid affecting boarding or immigration procedures."

Meanwhile, in China, demand for plastic surgery and beauty treatments has surged recently. Loan companies have been exploiting this trend by attracting young people with various loan products and charging exorbitant interest rates, prompting authorities to remain vigilant. Illegal plastic surgeries linked to the medical and financial sectors are also on the rise.

It is reported that in 2022 alone, there were about 1,400 lawsuits related to plastic surgery loans in China, accounting for 20% of all medical industry lawsuits in the country.