South Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will activate a dedicated Administrative Investigation Team from June 15 to root out fraudulent and excessive medical practices, including in aesthetic clinics. The move targets clinics that lure patients with ineffective injections, overprescribe narcotics, or engage in unethical behavior, signaling stricter regulatory oversight for medical aesthetics providers and suppliers.
Investigation scope
The team will prioritize cases causing social controversy, such as hospitals that admit patients under the pretext of receiving injections that experts have confirmed as ineffective, then charge excessive fees. It will also target overprescribing of narcotics or psychotropic drugs without medical justification, and other unethical conduct by medical professionals.
Legal basis and sanctions
Under Article 66 of the Medical Act and its enforcement decree, the MOHW will apply the prohibition of 'unethical medical practice' more aggressively. The decree defines academically unrecognized treatments, unethical care, and unnecessary tests, medications, or surgeries as 'conduct damaging the dignity of medical personnel.' Violators face license suspension of up to one year.
Expert collaboration
The ministry will work with medical associations, including the Korean Medical Association, to assess abnormal practices. Even if actions do not yet violate explicit laws, they may be referred to ethics committees for professional judgment, enabling swift sanctions such as license suspension.
Regulatory and channel signals
For overseas buyers and distributors supplying aesthetic devices, injectables, or consumables to South Korea, this signals heightened scrutiny on clinical claims and prescribing patterns. Products marketed for unapproved uses or linked to unethical practices may face indirect market access risks. Compliance with local medical standards will be critical.
Sourcing context
South Korea is a major hub for medical aesthetics, with many clinics using imported devices and injectables. The crackdown may affect demand for certain products, especially those associated with unproven injection therapies. Suppliers should monitor regulatory updates and ensure their products align with accepted medical practices to avoid reputational or legal exposure.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 10, 2026