On June 19, the City Department of Health ordered Korea Star Hospital – Sao Han to shut down temporarily after two consecutive cases of cosmetic complications. The first case involved a 30-year-old woman who underwent breast implant surgery at the hospital on June 15. Despite receiving over 8 hours of treatment, her condition worsened and she suffered from arrhythmia and cardiac arrest. She was then transferred to Military Hospital 175 for further treatment, where she remains in critical condition.
The second case involved a 31-year-old woman who underwent breast augmentation surgery and liposuction on both arms on June 14. She developed respiratory failure, convulsions, and fever the next day and was subsequently transferred to Cho Ray Hospital for additional treatment with a diagnosis of respiratory failure and pneumonia.
On the same day as the second case, a team of experts from the Department of Health was sent to inspect the hospital to assess risks to patient safety. Following an evaluation of any violations found during the inspection, the Department will report back to the Ministry of Health for further guidance on reopening the hospital.
Prior to these incidents, the Department had already conducted an unannounced inspection on June 13 to ensure compliance with legal regulations in medical examination and treatment activities at the hospital. This inspection was prompted by reports of unlicensed individuals performing surgical procedures at the facility. The hospital had previously been fined twice by the Department’s Inspectorate for operating without necessary licenses or registered practitioners.
Overall, health authorities are closely monitoring Korea Star Hospital – Sao Han’s compliance with regulations and patient safety standards to ensure that medical procedures are conducted properly and safely.