South Korea has legalized tattoo artistry by non-medical professionals for the first time in more than 30 years, following a campaign by members of the profession to work without fear of prosecution or harassment.
Though tattoos are commonplace in the east Asian nation, offering them has been limited to medical professionals following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling. But, after the passing of the Tattooist Act by the General Assembly on Thursday, non-medical professionals - who compose most of the industry - will be able to obtain a licence.
Lim Bo-ran, president of the Korea Tattoo Federation, cried at the law's passing, saying: I can't speak because it feels like a dream. I am truly grateful.
Between 1992 and now, anyone offering tattoos without medical credentials faced up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million Korean won ($35,000; £28,000).
There are no official statistics on how many tattooists have been prosecuted, but South Korea's Tattoo Union says it gives legal support to at least 50 each year, and believes there are many more that result in fines.
As of 2021, there were an estimated 350,000 tattoo artists in the country, most of whom specialized in semi-permanent makeup for lips, eyebrows, or hairlines.
But relatively few of these have medical qualifications. Instead, most come from art or beauty backgrounds like elsewhere in the world.
In recent years, South Korean courts have acquitted several tattoo artists, signalling a shift in attitudes.
Park Ju-min, chairman of the National Assembly's health and welfare committee and the law's main legislative proponent, noted that many politicians in the house had eyebrow or lip tattoos. He said the passing of the law will allow citizens to get tattoos safely, and those engaged in the tattoo industry will be recognised as legal professionals.
However, the change of law has faced opposition from South Korea's medical community. Ahead of its passing, the Korean Medical Association stated that tattooing not only damages the skin but can also pose other health risks, including interference with cancer diagnosis.
Though the tattooing prohibition will no longer be a permanent feature of South Korean society, removing it completely may take time. The new law will only take effect in two years, and tattoo artists must pass a national exam, complete safety and hygiene training, and keep detailed records.
