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South Korea Legalizes Tattooing with New Licensing Act

9/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The National Assembly of South Korea passed the Tattooist Act, legalizing tattoo artists without medical licenses, with 195 votes in favor out of 202 members present.
The act creates an official licensing system and starts after a two-year grace period.
President Lee Jae-myung is expected to sign with government support, following decades of underground tattooing and artists’ advocacy toward self-expression.

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Story summary

The National Assembly of South Korea passed the Tattooist Act, legalizing tattoo artists without medical licenses, with 195 votes in favor out of 202 members present.
The act creates an official licensing system and starts after a two-year grace period.
President Lee Jae-myung is expected to sign with government support, following decades of underground tattooing and artists’ advocacy toward self-expression.