Park Na-rae Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Alleged Illegal Medical Injections
South Korean broadcaster Park na-rae is under investigation for perhaps receiving unauthorized medical treatments, raising questions about the accessibility of unregulated healthcare practices and the legal responsibilities of patients.
The controversy centers around allegations that park Na-rae, 40, received medical services from an individual known as “Aunt Jusai,†who is suspected of providing illegal injections. Dermatologist dr. Ham Ik-byeong emphasized the legal ramifications, stating, “Even if a Nobel Prize-winning doctor comes, he must have a Korean medical license to practise medicine in Korea.†Dr. Ham further predicted that if Park Na-rae knowingly sought treatment from an unlicensed practitioner, she could face legal consequences.
the Rise of ‘Injection Aunts’ and Concerns Over Medical Law
the case highlights a growing concern in South Korea regarding “injection aunts†– individuals who illegally administer injections, frequently enough IV fluids, in non-authorized settings. According to the Medical service Act, practicing medicine without a valid license is a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years imprisonment or a fine of 50 million won.
Dr. Ham, speaking on CBS Radio’s ‘Kim Hyun-jung’s News Show’ on Thursday, underscored that even possessing a medical license from another contry does not permit practicing medicine within South Korea. He posed a rhetorical question to illustrate the point: “If I go to China and see a patient, will they leave me alone in China? If I go to the United States and see a patient, will the American medical authorities leave me alone?â€
Questionable Credentials and a ‘Ghost’ Medical School
Adding to the complexity, reports indicate that “Aunt Jusai†previously claimed to have studied medicine in Inner Mongolia and even held a professorship at Pogang Medical University Hospital. However, this claim quickly unraveled when the medical community identified Pogang Medical University as a potentially fraudulent, or “ghost,†medical school, leading to the deletion of the post from her social media. It remains unconfirmed whether she holds any valid medical credentials.
Park Na-rae’s Defense and the Medical Community’s Response
Park Na-rae’s representatives have stated that she requested a house call due to a busy filming schedule and maintains that no laws were broken. Though, the medical community disputes this claim, filing a complaint alleging violations of the Medical Service Act.The core of the complaint revolves around whether “Aunt Jusai†is qualified to practice medicine and whether the injections were administered outside of a legitimate medical institution.
Dr. Ham pointed out that Park Na-rae had publicly discussed receiving various injections, including those with nutritional supplements and placental extracts, potentially normalizing the practice. While acknowledging that injections can be administered outside of hospitals under specific circumstances – such as ongoing care by a licensed physician or in emergency situations – he asserted that Park Na-rae’s situation “was obviously illegal,†as it did not meet these criteria. He added, “It is indeed unclear whether the person who performed the injection was a doctor or not, and it is also impractical to no whether this was a hospital or not.â€
Potential Complicity and Concerns Over Psychotropic Drug Use
The Ministry of Health and welfare has indicated that patients could be held accountable as accomplices if they actively seek out illegal medical procedures, even after being informed of the violations.
Furthermore, based on KakaoTalk messages released by entertainment media outlet Dispatch, Dr. Ham raised concerns about the potential governance of psychotropic drugs. He noted the request for a two-month supply of prescriptions, which he deemed unusual and indicative of a possible illegal distribution of controlled substances. “Where did you get someone else’s prescription?†he questioned, emphasizing that doctors rarely prescribe such large quantities of medication at once.
legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The Korean medical Association has formally defined the case as “illegal unlicensed medical practice†and has urged authorities to investigate thoroughly. Lim Hyun-taek, former president of the organization, filed a report with the prosecution on charges of violating the Medical Service Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act on Thursday. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has stated it will monitor the investigation and consider an administrative investigation if necessary.
The case underscores the risks associated with seeking medical treatment outside of regulated healthcare settings and highlights the potential legal ramifications for both practitioners and patients involved in such activities.
