2024 Gangnam Liposuction Death - Chinese Tourist (Necrotizing Fasciitis)

Incident Overview

A 29-year-old Chinese woman died in January 2024 after developing necrotizing fasciitis (flesh-eating bacteria) following multiple liposuction surgeries at a Gangnam clinic.

Detailed Timeline

  • November 2023: Patient (Huang Menglin/황몽림) arrived in Korea for liposuction
  • Procedures: Three separate liposuction surgeries over approximately one week:
    • Abdomen liposuction
    • Arm liposuction
    • Thigh liposuction
  • Post-surgery: Patient complained of severe pain and difficulty moving after third surgery
  • Hospital response: Allegedly provided ice compress and antibiotics; staff reportedly left at 10 PM leaving only patient and caregiver
  • Emergency: Caregiver called 119 overnight; patient transferred to university hospital
  • Diagnosis: Necrotizing fasciitis that progressed to sepsis
  • Death: January 10, 2024 - approximately one month after surgeries

Legal Proceedings

  • Bereaved family filed charges against hospital director for professional negligence resulting in death (업무상과실치사)
  • Allegations that hospital failed to take appropriate action when patient complained of severe pain
  • Police investigation ongoing

Context

This case is part of a series of Chinese tourist deaths at Gangnam plastic surgery clinics that prompted the Chinese Embassy in Korea to issue warnings to Chinese nationals seeking cosmetic surgery in Korea.

Important Disclaimer

This information is based on news reports from 2024. Legal proceedings are ongoing.

Sources

  • 서울경제 (sedaily.com) - "강남 성형외과서 지방흡입수술 받은 중국인 사망"
  • 뉴스1 (news1.kr) - "강남 성형외과서 지방흡입수술 받은 중국인 여성 사망"
  • YTN - Related coverage