[Inside Chodong] The Challenges the "Injection Aunt" Controversy Poses to the Medical Community

The so-called "Injection Aunt" controversy, involving a well-known broadcaster, has revealed not just a simple celebrity scandal but also the chronic problem of rampant illegal medical practices in our society. This incident has brought to the surface the deep-rooted legal and safety issues within the domestic medical system, highlighting the need to clarify what constitutes illegal versus permitted medical activities. At the same time, there are growing calls to strengthen safety measures for home visits, home-based care, and telemedicine.

The core of the controversy lies in the fact that unlicensed medical practice occurred within Korea. No matter what medical qualifications one may have obtained abroad, practicing medicine in Korea without an official domestic license is illegal under Korean medical law. The current Medical Service Act strictly limits such unlicensed activities, imposing penalties of up to five years in prison or fines of up to 50 million won. This is not a mere administrative regulation but a minimum safeguard to protect the lives and safety of the public.

Furthermore, the Medical Service Act stipulates that, except in unavoidable situations such as emergency care or home nursing, medical professionals must perform medical procedures only within medical institutions. Medical procedures cannot be carried out outside these institutions simply for reasons of a busy schedule or personal convenience. Administering IV drips for recovery or cosmetic injections in an officetel or private residence is strictly illegal, regardless of whether the person is licensed. If a patient knowingly assists in the purchase of drugs or introduces others to such illegal services, they may also be prosecuted as an accomplice.

Above all, the reason illegal medical practices are considered a serious issue is because they threaten the health and safety of patients. Invasive procedures like injections can result in infection, anaphylactic shock, organ damage, or, in the worst case, death, according to medical experts. In a legitimate medical system, there are emergency response protocols, follow-up care, and systems for accountability in case of medical accidents. In illegal medical practices, however, none of these safety nets exist, and all risks are borne entirely by the patient.

The suspicion that psychotropic drugs, which are prohibited from being prescribed by proxy or through telemedicine, were used is also a matter of grave concern. The Korean Medical Association's request for a police investigation into how these drugs were delivered to non-medical personnel suggests that this is not an isolated incident but points to potential loopholes in the entire pharmaceutical distribution and prescription management system. Depending on whether the drugs were leaked by a wholesaler or illegally prescribed by a medical institution, the severity of the issue could be even greater.

It is also important to note that this incident has caused confusion with legitimate "home visit medical care." In many places, injections for dieting, recovery, or cosmetic and dermatological procedures have become normalized as unofficial medical services. As a result, some members of the public have mistakenly believed that "Injection Aunt" services are accessible through special channels. One clinic doctor commented, "The basic principle that people should visit a hospital, receive a doctor's examination, and then get injections or prescriptions is being taken lightly," adding, "This case shows not just the unique circumstances of the entertainment industry but also how tolerant our society has been toward illegal medical practices."

Medical care is not an optional convenience service but a field that combines public interest, professionalism, and strict accountability. Using illegal medical services is not simply a matter of personal choice but involves accepting clear risks and bearing social responsibility. If the "Injection Aunt" controversy is dismissed as just another scandal and soon forgotten, similar illegal medical practices may continue to reappear under different names.

/Deputy Editor, Bio & Venture Business Department