Introduction
South Korea is one of the most developed countries in the world, yet it has a peculiar stance on tattoos. The country, which is known for its strict social norms and traditional values, has a deep-rooted aversion to tattoos. This aversion is so strong that it is even illegal to get a tattoo without a medical license. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this cultural phenomenon and try to understand why South Korea is against tattoos.
The Historical Perspective
The history of tattoos in South Korea dates back to the ancient times when tattoos were used to mark criminals and outcasts. Later on, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, tattoos were used to mark Korean women who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military. This association between tattoos and criminality and sexual exploitation has left a deep scar on the Korean psyche, making tattoos taboo.
The Social Stigma
South Korean society places a high value on conformity and uniformity. Tattoos, which are seen as a form of individual expression, are often viewed as a threat to social harmony. In addition, tattoos are associated with gangsters and rebels, making them even more stigmatized.
The Workplace Discrimination
Tattoos are also seen as a hindrance to professional success in South Korea. Many employers have strict dress codes that prohibit visible tattoos, and job seekers with tattoos are often discriminated against. This has led many young Koreans to forego getting tattoos altogether.
The Legal Constraints
As mentioned earlier, it is illegal to get a tattoo without a medical license in South Korea. This law was put in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases but has also served as a way to discourage people from getting tattoos. The law is rarely enforced, but it creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty around getting a tattoo.
The Religious Angle
South Korea is a predominantly Christian country, and some conservative Christians associate tattoos with paganism and devil worship. This has further reinforced the negative perception of tattoos in the country.
The Cultural Clash
South Korea is rapidly changing, and the younger generation is more open to Western ideas and values. This clash between traditional Korean values and Western culture has created a divide on the issue of tattoos, with younger Koreans being more accepting of tattoos than their elders.
The Fashion Industry Influence
Despite the social stigma surrounding tattoos, there is a growing trend of Korean celebrities, particularly in the fashion industry, flaunting their tattoos. This has sparked a debate about the legitimacy of tattoos as a form of self-expression and has caused some Koreans to question their stance on tattoos.
The Gender Divide
Tattoos are more stigmatized for women than men in South Korea. Women with tattoos are often seen as promiscuous or rebellious, and this can have serious consequences for their social and professional lives.
The Artistic Value
Despite the negative perception of tattoos in South Korea, there is a growing appreciation for tattoo art as a legitimate form of artistic expression. Some artists are pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable in Korean society, creating beautiful and intricate designs that challenge traditional norms.
The Changing Attitudes
As mentioned earlier, younger Koreans are more accepting of tattoos than their elders. This shift in attitudes is partly due to exposure to Western culture but also reflects a growing desire for individualism and self-expression among young Koreans.
The Future Outlook
It remains to be seen whether South Korea’s aversion to tattoos will persist or if it will change with the times. As the country becomes more diverse and globalized, it may become more accepting of different forms of self-expression, including tattoos. However, the deeply ingrained cultural and historical factors that have shaped Korean attitudes towards tattoos may prove difficult to overcome.
Conclusion
South Korea’s aversion to tattoos is a complex issue that reflects the country’s cultural, historical, and social values. While tattoos are becoming more accepted in some circles, they are still stigmatized in many areas of Korean society. Whether this will change in the future remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – tattoos will continue to challenge traditional Korean values and norms.
Why can’t you show tattoos in Korea?
In some countries, there is a stigma attached to tattoos due to their historical association with marking criminals and slaves permanently. Additionally, tattoos became associated with criminal activity as gang members displayed their affiliation through tattoos.
Is it OK to have tattoos in South Korea?
In South Korea, tattoos are not against the law and it is common to see young people with tattoos. However, it is illegal to get a tattoo because it is considered a medical procedure and can only be done by a licensed medical professional according to Korean law.
What do people in Korea think of tattoos?
Historically, tattoos were seen as a form of mutilation or punishment, or as a way to signify ownership. During the Japanese occupation, Korean gangs adopted the yakuza style of tattoos as a way to identify themselves. This has led to older Koreans struggling to disassociate tattoos from negative cultural and legal associations.
Why are tattoos banned in Asia?
Similar cultural beliefs exist in Japanese and Korean societies regarding tattoos. In Japan during the Kofun period (AD300 to 538), tattoos were linked to criminal activity and used as a form of punishment, according to Margo DeMello, author of “Inked: Tattoos and Body Art Around the World.”
Why are BTS not allowed to show tattoos?
The primary cause for this issue is the traditional culture of South Korea, which views tattoos as inappropriate. Additionally, many fans are unable to accept that JK made his own decision to get a tattoo, which caused controversy.
What happens if you get a tattoo in Korea?
In South Korea, only licensed medical professionals are allowed to open tattoo parlors, unlike unlicensed tattoo artists. However, having a tattoo is not against the law except for in the military, where it is prohibited. Individuals can get tattoos once they have completed their military service.
Despite the cultural stigma surrounding tattoos in South Korea, there is a growing tattoo culture in the country. Tattoo artists are creating unique and intricate designs, and some even specialize in traditional Korean designs that reflect the country’s rich history and culture. However, this subculture remains largely underground due to legal and social constraints.
In recent years, there have been some efforts to change the laws surrounding tattoos in South Korea. In 2016, a petition calling for the legalization of tattoos gained over 200,000 signatures, leading to a public hearing on the issue. While no changes were made to the law, it sparked a national conversation about tattoos and their place in Korean society.
The influence of social media has also played a role in changing attitudes towards tattoos in South Korea. With platforms like Instagram and TikTok, young Koreans can see how tattoos are celebrated in other parts of the world and how they can be a form of self-expression and art. This has led to a growing interest in tattoos among young people, despite the social and legal constraints.
In conclusion, South Korea’s aversion to tattoos is deeply rooted in its cultural and historical values. While there are signs of change, such as growing acceptance among younger generations and the emergence of a tattoo subculture, it remains to be seen whether this will lead to significant legal or societal changes. Regardless, tattoos will continue to challenge traditional Korean values and norms and remain a topic of debate in the country.