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Illegal Medical Practice in Korea: A Case Study

Overview of the Incident

Published: 22 Dec. 2025, 09:45

A troubling case has emerged in South Korea involving a foreign national who impersonated a licensed traditional Korean medicine practitioner. This individual administered acupuncture treatments without official authorization, leading to a significant legal fallout. The Seoul Southern District Court has taken stern action, sentencing the man to one year in prison and a fine of 1 million won (approximately $680) for violating established health laws.

Caption: An image of a statue of Justitia, the goddess of justice [KOREA JOONGANG DAILY]

The Charges and Background

The defendant faced serious charges for carrying out traditional Korean medical practices—including acupuncture—at a clinic located in Guro District, western Seoul, even though he lacked the necessary medical license. Prosecutors detailed how he had created an improper healthcare setting by setting up treatment beds and using medical acupuncture needles to perform procedures.

From June to August, the man committed these unauthorized treatments on 16 different occasions, generating earnings of 3.17 million won in the process. The court emphasized that such actions constitute unlawful medical practice for profit under South Korean law.

legal Implications

According to Article 27, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act in South Korea, only licensed medical professionals are legally permitted to perform medical procedures. Moreover, even those who are licensed must operate strictly within the scope of their specific medical certifications. Engaging in unlicensed medical practice is unequivocally prohibited.

The court stated: “The defendant’s illicit practice of traditional Korean medicine—including cupping, acupuncture, and moxibustion—poses a serious risk to patients’ health and societal well-being. Therefore, the criminal nature of these actions is particularly severe.”

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Conclusion

The ruling against this foreign national serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to legal standards in healthcare practices. The impact of his unlicensed actions not only led to criminal penalties but also raised significant concerns for public health and safety. Utilizing tools like the AI legalese decoder can empower individuals to better understand their rights and responsibilities, potentially mitigating the risks of legal missteps in the future.

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