How did tattoo artists become legal in South Korea?

Tattoo artists have worked underground in South Korea for decades – until now.

For 34 years, only licensed doctors were allowed to ink tattoos and breaking the law could lead to heavy fines or jail.

In September, lawmakers had legalised tattooing by non-medical professionals following a sustained artists’ campaign against the fear and harassment they faced.

The BBC is in Seoul, where tattooists from all the country have gathered, to explain how and why the law has changed.

Hot this week

South Africa made to look like fools after World Cup visa issues, says minister

AFP via Getty Images South Africa's final home friendly on...

Colombia votes in presidential election that could redefine relations with US

2 hours ago Paulin Kolaand Aleks Phillips AFP via Getty Images The election...

Ebola spread in DR Congo ‘deeply alarming’, MSF warns

4 hours ago Emery Makumeno,BBC Africa in Bunia, eastern DR...

Hundreds arrested in Paris after Champions League final

Hundreds arrested in France after wild Champions League celebrations Watch:...

Why Britain’s notoriously bad train wi-fi might soon be a thing of the past

BBC The BBC's Grace Dean checks wi-fi access on her...

Topics

South Africa made to look like fools after World Cup visa issues, says minister

AFP via Getty Images South Africa's final home friendly on...

Colombia votes in presidential election that could redefine relations with US

2 hours ago Paulin Kolaand Aleks Phillips AFP via Getty Images The election...

Ebola spread in DR Congo ‘deeply alarming’, MSF warns

4 hours ago Emery Makumeno,BBC Africa in Bunia, eastern DR...

Hundreds arrested in Paris after Champions League final

Hundreds arrested in France after wild Champions League celebrations Watch:...

Japan’s defence minister denies militarism and criticises China’s ‘huge arsenal’

4 hours ago Tessa WongAsia Digital Reporter, Shangri-la Dialogue, Singapore Watch:...

Ferrari wanted to take on Chinese EVs with the Luce – then the backlash started

12 hours ago Osmond ChiaBusiness reporter Ferrari The Ferrari Luce EV has...

Related Articles

Popular Categories