Second-Degree Burn Affects Lead Actress of “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “Discovery of Love” During Dermatology Treatment

On March 20th, 2023, the Seoul Central District Court’s Civil Division 18, led by Presiding Judge Park Joon-min, delivered a ruling in favor of actress A against dermatologist B. A was awarded a compensation amount totaling 48, 039, 295 KRW in a lawsuit in which she had initially sought 200 million KRW in damages.

The court determined that B had acted negligently by inadequately adjusting the intensity and frequency of the dermatological procedures, leading to A’s injuries.

Incident Overview

Actress A, who burst onto the entertainment scene in 2012, gained fame from acclaimed dramas like “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “Discovery of Love.” Her diverse roles, spanning both lead and supporting characters, have cemented her status in the industry, including recent appearances on various television shows.

Actress Suffers Second-Degree Burn During Dermatology Procedure

The troubling incident took place in May 2021 during a series of dermatological treatments that A underwent, which included ultrasound and laser procedures aimed at improving her skin’s appearance. While sedated, she suffered a severe burn on her left cheek. Despite this, dermatologist B only applied a hydrocolloid bandage and failed to take further corrective measures.

The injury was classified as a second-degree burn, leading A to undergo 50 additional treatment sessions at various clinics since 2021, with no complete healing achieved to date. Medical evaluations confirm that, although there has been gradual improvement, the scar remains prominent and visible from a distance of 2 to 3 meters.

This debilitating injury significantly hampered A’s filming schedule for upcoming dramas. Following the incident, she incurred a cost of 9.55 million KRW for digital editing to conceal the scar in a weekend drama she was working on.

Legal Proceedings

In court, A’s legal team contended that B was liable for the injuries, demanding 200 million KRW in compensation due to B’s negligence during three consecutive procedures, which were allegedly conducted without proper safety measures. They pointed out that the shape of the wound indicated high-intensity treatment on the same area multiple times.

The court acknowledged A’s claims to a degree, affirming that B had manifestly neglected his duty. The ruling stated that A’s previous successful procedures indicated that the injury stemmed from B’s improper technique rather than an underlying skin issue.

Ultimately, however, the court awarded a total of approximately 48 million KRW, significantly less than the 200 million KRW requested. This amount consisted of the following: