According to The кσяєα Times, South кσяєα’s Ministry of Health revealed that around 13 million people in the country have tattoos, and there are approximately 350,000 tattoo artists currently active. Surprisingly, as of September 2025, the majority of these tattoos were found to have been done in non-medical facilities.

The reason lies in a 1992 law that defined tattooing as a “medical procedure”, meaning that only licensed medical professionals were allowed to “insert needles into the skin.” Since tattoo artists are not considered medical practitioners, they were legally prohibited from operating. South кσяєα remained the only developed country in the world with such restrictions.

That is, until BTS’s superstar Jungkook began openly showing his tattoos—and suddenly, the door began to open!

When the “Tattooist Act” was first proposed in 2021 by lawmaker Ryu Ho-jeong of the Justice Party, originally named the “Tattoo Business Act,” she cited Jungkook as an example to highlight the absurdity of the law. Ryu pointed out how unreasonable it was that idols had to cover their tattoos with tape whenever they appeared on кσяєαn television.

Meanwhile, with his tattoos and piercings, Jungkook confidently stood before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2021. Representing the youth of his generation, he spoke about the future and hope, proving that outward appearances—tattoos, piercings, dyed hair, and more—do not define a person’s worth or character.

Moreover, he performed at the UNGA, received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit from the кσяєαn government, stood alongside the President of South кσяєα, entered the Blue House, and appeared at numerous global-scale events.

Even with a full sleeve tattoo covering one arm, that has never stopped him from donating large sums to charity every year, serving as a source of comfort and strength for millions of fans around the world, and becoming a role model who inspires young people to keep striving forward. Jungkook is a prime example that tattoos have never inherently carried negative meanings, nor are they symbols of immorality or lawlessness.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Jungkook played a significant role in helping tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts finally step into the light. As a result, four years after the bill was first introduced, the “Tattooist Act” was finally pαѕѕed by the National Assembly, legalizing the tattoo profession in South кσяєα.

This law restores freedom, human rights, and official recognition to tattoo artistry and its practitioners after 33 years of restriction. It is also expected to reshape extreme public perceptions of the industry. The new law will take effect in 2027, establishing a licensing system for tattooists that no longer requires a medical degree.

Even more notably, immediately after the news broke, Jungkook was widely credited and thanked by both кσяєαn media outlets and tattoo artists. On major online news platforms, Jungkook was said to have “paved the way” and created a favorable atmosphere for the bill’s approval.

Tattoo artists themselves expressed deep gratitude toward Jungkook for bringing a “revival” to the industry. Andy, a tattoo-focused YouTube creator, thanked Jungkook and said "By showing that he has a tattoo, he broke the bad perceptions about tattoos”. Meanwhile, Tachi from Godo Tattoo remarked that Jungkook’s confidence in showing his tattoos has made fans more open-minded toward the art form.

Tattoo artists even noted that Jungkook changed their own perspectives—shifting from a conservative mindset to viewing tattoos as a serious and expressive art form.

Fans, in turn, have expressed immense pride and enthusiasm, celebrating the moment pαѕѕionately:

- This picture of Jungkook being used to illustrate such an important decision for tattoo artists in кσяєα says a lot about the impact he and his tattoos have had in the acceptance of that art in кσяєα. From the first moment he said he wanted to get one until now ... what a journey!!

- Jungkook helped shift the narrative—quietly, boldly. He showed his tattoos even when it meant hiding them on air or facing outdated views. These days, they shine in full color. We love all of him. We celebrate him. His influence knows no borders.

- Jungkook is the real trend setter, the real influencer…if JK does it then it must be okay

- so glad to know that someone who has this mindset is the kind of person doing jungkook's tattoos because he doesn't only care about his art, but also jk's art and his individual self. glad to know he's in rlly good hands

- this is actually making me cry because tattoo is such a beautiful form of cultural art and hearing his tattoo artist suggest incorporating it in jk's identity as an artist is so heart-warming? like these are the moments when yk theyre surrounded by good people

- He proved you can have tattoos and be a good guy. Many only αѕѕociate tattoos with gang members and νισℓєи¢є and that is so wrong. As a tattoo fan I m so glad for this

- Thanks to Jungkook's courage he's breaking taboos, shattering norms and challenging traditional K-pop idol stereotypes. He's truly paving the way. Thank you Jungkook!

- As always, JK paving the way, quietly breaking cultural barriers…the power and influence of JK is unmatched.

- Jungkook is truly inspirational he makes impossibilities to possibilities dreams and hopes to realities negativity to possibilities he is just love