Gyeonggi Province has uncovered 22 illegal beauty salons.
The Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police announced on April 25 that, between March 17 and March 28, they investigated approximately 150 beauty salons in commercial districts across 12 cities and counties, including Goyang and Bucheon. The investigation uncovered a total of 22 violations, including unlicensed medical procedures and operating unregistered beauty businesses.
This investigation was prompted by reports of illegal procedures being widely performed at unregistered beauty salons, such as eyelash extensions and perms, makeup, nail care, and skin care, particularly in officetels and studio apartments.
Major violations included: Salon A in Anyang was caught performing unlicensed medical procedures such as eyebrow and lip tattoos without a medical license; Salon B in Pyeongtaek was found operating without registering as a beauty business with the relevant authorities.
Additionally, Salon C in Pyeongtaek was operating without a beauty business license, while Salon D in Gimpo failed to report a change of business location. Salon E in Bucheon was found to have performed quasi-medical procedures that beauty professionals are prohibited from conducting, such as mole removal, ear lobe piercing, skin peeling, and tattooing.
Performing medical procedures without a medical license is punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million KRW under the Medical Service Act.
Operating a beauty business without registration is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million KRW under the Public Health Control Act. Failure to report changes in business type or location, or failure to comply with obligations as a beauty professional, is punishable by up to six months in prison or a fine of up to 5 million KRW, respectively.
Furthermore, opening or working in a beauty business without obtaining a beauty license is subject to a fine of up to 3 million KRW.
Ki Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police, stated, "With the recent development of the K-beauty industry and growing public interest in beauty, illegal beauty salons are on the rise. We urge consumers to check whether the salon is registered and whether the relevant licenses have been obtained before using its services," adding, "We plan to strictly punish illegal activities that threaten the safety and health of residents in accordance with relevant laws and regulations."
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