A high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure intended for skin tightening left K-pop star Kwon Mina with second-degree facial burns, highlighting critical risks in non-surgical aesthetic treatments. The incident underscores the importance of proper consent, skin consultation, and risk disclosure for clinics and distributors supplying aesthetic devices and consumables to overseas buyers.
Incident details
Kwon Mina, 32, underwent a Shurink lifting procedure in January 2024. She reported waking up in intense pain, with skin peeling in layers and blisters forming. Five months later, photos showed persistent redness and prominent scars. She was initially told she might need two years of treatment, including possible skin graft surgery, but now faces at least one more year of care. The possibility of permanent scarring remains.
Regulatory and consent failures
Mina stated the clinic did not obtain proper consent or provide adequate explanations before the procedure. She was not asked to sign consent forms, undergo a skin consultation, or informed about treatment risks or side effects. These omissions raise red flags for clinics and distributors regarding compliance with medical regulations and patient safety standards.
Compensation and legal action
The clinic director offered 20 million won (approximately $16,800 USD) in compensation, including 9.2 million won ($7,700 USD) for filming-related losses and reimbursement for medication and treatment costs. However, support for future treatment was cut off after March, leaving Mina to pay her own medical expenses. She initially suggested a settlement of about 35 million won ($29,000 USD) for a year of future treatment, with emotional damages left to the clinic's discretion. She is now considering legal action, with seven law firms consulted raising concerns about medical negligence and violations of medical law.
What buyers should watch
This case highlights the need for rigorous safety protocols and transparent communication in aesthetic clinics. For distributors and importers of HIFU devices and related consumables, ensuring that end-users receive proper training, consent forms, and risk disclosures is critical. The incident may also prompt tighter regulatory scrutiny in South Korea and other markets, affecting device certification and liability insurance requirements.
Sourcing context
South Korea remains a major hub for aesthetic device manufacturing and treatment innovation. This incident could influence buyer preferences toward devices with stronger safety records and clinics with documented compliance procedures. Distributors should verify that suppliers provide comprehensive user manuals, training materials, and post-market surveillance data to mitigate similar risks.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 08, 2026