The so-called "injection aunt" controversy, sparked by broadcaster Park Na-rae's alleged abuse of power, has spread uncontrollably as allegations of unlicensed medical practices emerged. With prosecution complaints and even the government closely watching the situation, a practicing specialist issued a strong warning, calling it a "clear illegal act."
On the 9th, dermatologist Ham Ik-byung, appearing on CBS radio's "Kim Hyun-jung's News Show," asserted that contrary to Park Na-rae's side's explanation, "even if the person is a foreign doctor, medical practice itself is illegal without a domestic license."
Ham said, "Regardless of the claim that the 'injection aunt' is a doctor from China's Inner Mongolia region, foreign medical licenses have no effect in Korea," and emphasized, "Even a Nobel Prize–winning doctor cannot prescribe in Korea. They can only provide consultation." He added, "Diagnosis and procedures must be performed by a domestic attending physician, and it is impossible for a foreign doctor to issue prescriptions in Korea."
The fact that injections were performed at a private residence was also pointed out as problematic. Ham explained, "House calls are limited and possible only for patients who have difficulty moving and under the judgment of the attending physician," and said, "Receiving injections at home because one is busy does not fall under any exception. In general, all of that is illegal." He expressed high concern regarding the revelation that "two months' worth of medication was being stored." Ham said, "It appears to be a drug that cannot be purchased without a prescription and is likely a psychotropic medication," and added, "If proxy prescriptions or unauthorized distribution are confirmed, the level of punishment will be quite severe."
Park Na-rae's potential legal liability was also mentioned publicly. Ham said, "In most cases of unlicensed medical practice, the person performing the procedure is subject to punishment," but added, "However, if Park Na-rae knowingly continued to request the unlicensed procedures, it cannot be ruled out that she could be legally entangled." He interpreted that the explanation that "it was a house call" appears to be a defensive argument to reduce the possibility of punishment.
The controversy intensified further after official confirmation from the medical community. According to an exclusive Channel A report on the 8th, an internal database check by the Korean Medical Association Organization showed that the person identified as the 'injection aunt,' Ms. Lee, did not hold a domestic medical license. The Korean Medical Association Organization is a statutory body in which all holders of domestic medical licenses are required to be registered, and absence from the database means she does not have the legal qualification to perform medical acts.
Under the current Medical Service Act, unlicensed medical practice can be punished by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. In an official statement, the Korean Medical Association Organization called it a "matter violating the Medical Service Act and Pharmaceutical Affairs Act that seriously threatens public health," and urged the government and investigative authorities to conduct thorough investigations and impose strict punishments for ▲unlicensed medical practice and ▲illegal distribution of psychotropic drugs. The association demanded that the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety conduct a full survey and strengthen oversight over ▲illegal unlicensed medical practice, ▲illegal proxy prescriptions and ▲the overall distribution of psychotropic drugs, and also requested granting "self-disciplinary authority" to strengthen self-regulation within the medical community.
Earlier, former Korean Medical Association Organization president Im Hyun-taek said he had reported Ms. Lee to prosecutors on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes related to public health, the Medical Service Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and argued, "Passport suspension, travel ban and an investigation that could include detention are necessary." He also urged expanding the scope of the probe, saying, "The husband of Ms. Lee, Park Na-rae's manager and Park Na-rae herself should be thoroughly investigated to determine whether they are co-principal offenders, accomplices or instigators." The Ministry of Health and Welfare said the case "has already been reported to and recognized by investigative agencies," and added, "We will monitor the progress of the investigation and consider administrative investigation if necessary."
Amid a mood that the issue could spread beyond unlicensed medical practice to illegal practices throughout the entertainment industry, there is a forecast that the fallout from the controversy surrounding Park Na-rae could grow depending on the investigation results. With prosecution complaints and the government closely watching, attention is focused on the direction of the situation.
[Photo] 'Park Na-rae'
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