Seoul City cracks down on 16 unlicensed and illegal beauty salons operating in officetels, etc. - Korean media

The Seoul Civil Judicial Police investigated 58 businesses suspected of operating illegal beauty services in student areas, shopping districts and residential areas from February to June, and found that they were engaged in eyelash perm and extension, makeup and other services.
On the 12th, the company announced that it had uncovered 16 businesses offering illegal beauty services, including makeup and skin care.
The survey was conducted through intensive monitoring of whether or not the relevant laws were being violated through analysis of user reviews, mainly on social media, and selected 58 businesses suspected of operating illegally.
Illegal beauty businesses avoided crackdowns by not listing their place of business when advertising on social media, and only informing customers who made reservations in advance via online chat.
Of the 16 violating businesses, six had monthly sales of more than 30 million won (approximately 3.42 million yen).
Illegal businesses mainly operate in properties that are used as officetels or residential buildings.
According to the Building Law, business permits can only be obtained if the building is used as a nearby residential facility. Therefore, if a business is operated in a residential officetel or residential studio that is not a nearby residential facility, it will be considered an illegal beauty business without a license.
If you illegally provide services such as eyelash perm, extensions, makeup, or skin care without a beauty business license, you will be subject to the Public Health Management Act.
The punishment is imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won (approximately 1.14 million yen). If Seoul discovers illegal beauty salons operating, it asks the city to report the matter to the Seoul Metropolitan Government or to provide information to the city.
In cases where a report or information on a criminal act is provided with conclusive evidence and contributes to the public interest, the city of Seoul may offer up to 200 million yen in compensation in accordance with the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Public Interest Information Protection and Support Ordinance.
The head of the Civil Judicial Police Unit, Seo Young-gwan, said, "It is illegal to carry out illegal beauty treatments such as eyelash extensions without a license or permission.
"We will do our best to eradicate illegal beauty businesses because they can be a source of disruption to the hygienic environment of the public," he said. "When using such businesses, citizens should make sure they are licensed by the relevant industry."
"Please be sure to check whether the facility has a business license or not before using it."