For more than three decades in South Korea, non-medical tattoo professionals operated under the threat of severe penalties, including up to five years in prison or a fine of 50 million won (approximately $50,000).

However, this rigid legal framework, which classified tattooing as a medical procedure reserved for doctors, is coming to an end. After a long struggle, new regulations were adopted last month, paving the way for the legal recognition of the profession. They are expected to come into effect within two years, allowing time to establish the necessary professional licenses and health training programs.

Until now, thousands of tattoo artists, estimated at around 350,000 in 2021 according to the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, worked in complete secrecy, some having acquired great notoriety via social networks despite the illegality.

The documentary "Angels", directed by Hicham Touili-Idrissi and produced by Nancy-Wangue Musisá, lifts the veil on this secret world and gives a voice to these artists. Tattoo artist Gui Hee expresses the weight of this insecurity: "I try to be confident and have nothing to hide, because that's what makes me who I am.

But since there were no laws protecting tattoo artists in Korea until now, I didn't feel safe. [...] my biggest problem is instability."

Beyond the legal risks, tattoo artists and tattooed individuals often face persistent social stigma. This rejection has historical roots in the past practice, in Korea, China, and Japan, of branding criminals on their faces. Hein, another tattoo artist, testifies to the judgment of the older generation: "When I was younger, I lived with my grandmother, and when I walked past her, older people would stare at me. They would look at me, see the tattoo on my face, and start to worry."

This legalization marks an important victory for the recognition of tattoo art in South Korea.