South Korean medical safety and consumer protection issues

South Korea is facing growing concerns regarding patient safety and consumer rights within its medical sector. Data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety indicates that reports of serious adverse events involving medical devices more than doubled between 2021 and 2025. Specifically, serious incidents involving hospitalization or permanent disability rose by 120.6%, with high-risk implantable devices—particularly silicone breast implants—accounting for a significant portion of these reports.

Parallel to device safety issues, consumer protection concerns have emerged regarding the closure of medical institutions. Between 2022 and August 2026, over 1,100 consumer complaints were filed with the Korea Consumer Agency concerning clinic closures or suspensions. These complaints were primarily concentrated in dermatology and dentistry, often involving the non-fulfillment of contracts or the inability of patients to recover prepaid fees. Lawmakers have called for increased transparency in device safety investigations and strengthened legal protections to ensure outpatient patients are properly notified of clinic closures.