Documentary uncovers secret world of South Korean tattoo artists
Tattoos have long been stigmatized in South Korea, with a history that dates back over a thousand years. Initially, tattoos were used to mark individuals for their crimes or to indicate their status as slaves, often inked on the face or arms. In the 20th century, the practice became associated with criminal gangs, further cementing its negative perception in society. Despite this deep-rooted stigma and the fact that being a tattoo artist was considered a punishable offense for more than 30 years, the art form found a way to thrive underground. A 1992 Supreme Court ruling classified getting a tattoo as a medical procedure, which could only be performed by a licensed doctor. This legal framework made it nearly impossible for unlicensed artists to operate openly. Recent government estimates suggest there are around 350,000 tattoo artists in South Korea, most of whom do not hold medical licenses and therefore practice illegally. However, this is beginning to change. Last month, Seoul to...