• South Korea's parliament has legalized tattooing for non-medical professionals.
• The Tattooist Act passed with overwhelming support: 195 votes in favor.
• Artists must undergo training and a licensing process to operate legally.
• Tattooing was strictly restricted for over 30 years, seen as a medical procedure.
• Public perception of tattoos in South Korea is slowly changing, influenced by celebrities.

On September 25, South Korea's parliament passed the groundbreaking Tattooist Act, which legalizes tattoo artistry for non-medical professionals, effectively ending a ban that has been in place since 1992, when a Supreme Court ruling classified tattooing as a medical act. This legislation allows talented artists to obtain licenses and practice legally, aligning South Korea with global standards, as it was previously the only developed country enforcing such restrictions, according to SCMP and AA.

The act received broad support in the National Assembly, passing with 195 votes in favor out of 202 members present, indicating a significant shift in government attitudes towards the tattooing profession. Under the new law, artists will be required to undergo formal training in hygiene and safety management while tattoo removal by non-medical professionals remains prohibited, according to BBC and Reuters.

This legislative change has been celebrated by tattoo artists, many of whom have faced legal challenges and fines while operating in a gray area of the law. For example, Doy, a prominent tattoo artist, highlighted the persistent solidarity among artists advocating for their rights, remarking that they "overcame the isolating nature of our profession." The law is seen as a victory after years of struggle against an outdated legal framework, according to SCMP, AA, and Reuters.

The passage of the Tattooist Act comes amid changing public perceptions about tattoos in South Korea, which have increasingly been adopted as a form of self-expression and fashion, especially among younger generations and influencers. K-pop idols and other celebrities have played a significant role in altering the societal view of tattoos, although stigma remains prevalent, as noted by multiple sources, including BBC and Reuters.