Improvement Measures for Tattooer Law

Purpose: On September 25, 2025, the Tattoo Law was passed, allowing non-medical professionals to practice tattooing. The purpose of this study is to examine the positive and negative functions (problems) of the Tattoo Law and discuss future improvement measures. Method: This study's methodology is to examine Supreme Court precedents and Constitutional Court decisions regarding the reasons for past tattoo bans and to explore solutions for future tattooing. Therefore, this study will analyze past research papers on current tattooing practices and examine the laws governing tattooing in each country. Results: Tattooing, previously considered a medical practice following a 1992 Supreme Court ruling, was le-galized with the enactment of the Tattooist Act. Licensed tattooists, or “tattooists,” who pass the national exam are now permitted to perform tattoos and use over-the-counter medications within the scope set forth in the Ministry of Health and Welfare Ordinance. This measure aims to bridge the gap between law an d reality and ensure the safety of those receiving tattoos. While tattoo laws can bring about various benefits, such as main-taining social order, resolving disputes, and promoting public welfare, they can also have negative consequences due to problems in the legislative process or unexpected side effects, and we must seek ways to improve them. Conclusion: The law and system have failed to reflect the reality that tattooing by non-medical professionals has become popular. However, the Tattoo Law was enacted after a long period of social discussion and deliber-ation, and has laid the foundation for the tattoo industry to operate safely and soundly within an institutional framework and for the rights of users and practitioners to be protected. However, even before implementation, various issues remain, including conflicts with the medical community and insufficient detailed standards, raising the need for improvement. These improvements should be considered to ensure the Tattoo Law becomes a reality, protect the rights of tattooists, and safeguard the public's health and safety.