How did tattoo artists become legal in South Korea?

The BBC is in Seoul, where tattooist from all over the country have gathered to celebrate their art, following decades of underground work. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Copyright current_year BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. Split screen of BBC journalist Leehyun Choi standing in front of a graffiti wall and a an getting a tattoo on his arm How did tattoo artists become legal in South Korea? Tattoo artists have worked underground in South Korea for decades - until now. For 34 years, only licensed doctors were allowed to ink tattoos and breaking the law could lead to heavy fines or jail. In September, lawmakers had legalised tattooing by non-medical professionals following a sustained artists' campaign against the fear and harassment they faced. 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