Nonhyeon-dong Plastic Surgery Doctor Propofol Involuntary Manslaughter Case

Incident Overview

On April 18, 2019, a 28-year-old woman was found dead in an apartment in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, with an IV drip containing propofol connected to her arm.

Reported Details

  • Date: April 18, 2019
  • Location: Apartment in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu
  • Victim: Kang (surname), female, 28 years old
  • Accused: Lee (surname), 43 years old, director of a famous Gangnam plastic surgery clinic
  • Circumstances: The victim was found dead with propofol IV still connected; the accused had administered propofol without prescription claiming it was for her insomnia

Legal Issues Identified

  • Propofol was administered outside of a hospital setting (in an apartment)
  • No prescription was issued for the controlled substance
  • Propofol (an anesthetic) was inappropriately used as a sleep aid - a known misuse pattern
  • The accused left the victim alone after administering the drug

Legal Proceedings

  • Accused was charged with violations of the Narcotics Control Act, Medical Service Act, and involuntary manslaughter
  • Arrest warrant was initially denied
  • First trial: 1 year 6 months imprisonment with 3 years probation
  • Appeal: Sentence increased to 2 years imprisonment with 4 years probation

Important Disclaimer

This case involves off-premises conduct by a plastic surgery clinic director, not an incident at the clinic itself. It raises concerns about controlled substance access and medical ethics.

Sources

  • 나무위키 - 논현동 성형외과 의사 프로포폴 과실치사 사건
  • Various Korean news outlets - 2019 coverage