Multiple Chinese Tourist Deaths Following Liposuction Surgery in Gangnam

Overview

Multiple cases of Chinese tourists dying after liposuction surgeries at Gangnam clinics have been reported, prompting the Chinese Embassy in Korea to issue warnings.

Case 1: November 2023 - January 2024

  • Patient: Huang Menglin (황몽림), age 29, Chinese national
  • Timeline: Arrived in Korea November 2023
  • Procedures: Three liposuction surgeries over 2 weeks (abdomen, arms, thighs)
  • Complication: After third surgery, patient complained of severe pain and difficulty moving
  • Hospital Response: Hospital allegedly provided ice compress and antibiotics, then staff left at 10 PM leaving only patient and caregiver
  • Deterioration: Caregiver called 119 overnight; patient transferred to university hospital
  • Diagnosis: Necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) progressed to sepsis
  • Outcome: Died approximately one month later (January 2024)
  • Legal Action: Family filed charges against hospital director for professional negligence resulting in death

Case 2: 2018 Teen Death

  • Patient: Chinese female teenager
  • Procedures: Liposuction and fat transfer
  • Outcome: Cardiac arrest during procedure; transferred to hospital but died 2 weeks later
  • Legal Ruling: Court ordered clinic to pay approximately 240 million won (total) in damages to parents

Chinese Embassy Response

The Chinese Embassy in Korea has issued warnings to Chinese nationals seeking cosmetic surgery in Korea, urging caution when selecting medical providers.

Important Disclaimer

This information is based on publicly available news reports and court rulings. These cases represent individual incidents and do not reflect the overall safety of Korean cosmetic surgery.

Sources

  • 서울경제 (sedaily.com) - "강남 성형외과서 지방흡입수술 받은 중국인 사망"
  • 법률신문 (lawtimes.co.kr) - Court ruling on compensation
  • YTN, SBS - News coverage