Hong Kong Bossini Heiress Death During Gangnam Surgery

Incident Overview

On January 21, 2020, Bonnie Evita Law (35), granddaughter of Hong Kong clothing brand Bossini founder Lo Ting-pong, died during cosmetic surgery at a clinic in Gangnam, Seoul.

Reported Details

  • Date: January 21, 2020
  • Patient: Bonnie Evita Law, age 35, Hong Kong national
  • Procedures: Liposuction and breast augmentation
  • Complication: Patient complained of extreme pain during surgery; additional sedatives were administered; oxygen saturation dropped rapidly
  • Outcome: Transferred to university hospital but pronounced dead

Issues Identified During Investigation

  • The operating physician was an orthopedic specialist, not a plastic surgery specialist
  • No drug testing was performed on the patient before surgery
  • Patient condition was not properly monitored during anesthesia
  • Surgery was performed without an anesthesiologist present
  • The Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons clarified that the clinic was not operated by a board-certified plastic surgeon

Legal Proceedings (February 2025)

  • Seoul Central District Court sentenced the doctor to a fine of 3 million won
  • The consultation manager was also fined 3 million won
  • The court found the doctor violated monitoring obligations during anesthesia
  • However, the court ruled NOT GUILTY on the manslaughter charge, finding insufficient evidence of causation between the negligence and death

Clinic Changes

Reports indicate the clinic changed its name and continued operations after the incident, which has raised concerns about accountability in the Korean cosmetic surgery industry.

Important Disclaimer

This information is based on court rulings and news reports. The case has been adjudicated by Korean courts.

Sources

  • 파이낸셜뉴스 (fnnews.com) - Multiple reports 2020-2025
  • 서울경제 (sedaily.com) - Court ruling coverage
  • 시사주간 (sisaweekly.com) - Follow-up investigation