Roa Korean Medicine Clinic · Jang Seok-won Analysis Report

Key Insights

Institution Overview

Roa KMC is a prominent network of aesthetic-focused clinics in South Korea, primarily in Gangnam and Bucheon. It positions itself as a "Total Beauty Place," integrating traditional Korean medical practices with modern aesthetic procedures.

Leadership Profile

Representative Director Jang Seok-won has a distinctive background, graduating from POSTECH before obtaining his Korean Medical license and Ph.D. from Kyung Hee University. He is currently the President of the Korean Society of Korean Plastic Surgery.

Signature Procedures

The clinic is renowned for "Venus Ko" (Venus Nose), a non-surgical rhinoplasty using barbed threads, and various lifting and diet programs (e.g., Mein Hwan). The focus is on minimally invasive, non-incisional treatments.

Reputation & Discourse

High quantitative ratings (approx. 9.3–9.4/10) reflect patient appreciation for immediate aesthetic results and staff kindness. Critical discourse exists regarding the durability of thread-based nose lifts and potential side effects.

Profile: Representative Director Jang Seok-won

Jang Seok-won

Representative Director

President of the Korean Society of Korean Plastic Surgery

A critical component of Roa KMC's branding and clinical authority is the profile of its Representative Director, Jang Seok-won. His career trajectory distinguishes him within the medical community.

Academic Background and Dual Expertise

Engineering Foundation: Graduated from POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), South Korea's top engineering institution. This background suggests a precise, structural approach to facial aesthetics.
Medical Training: Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, the premier institution for traditional medicine in Korea. Completed Master's and Ph.D. coursework at the same institution.

Professional Leadership and Affiliations

Current Position: Representative Director of the Roa Korean Medicine Clinic Network and Head of the Gangnam Branch.
Academic Leadership: President of the Korean Society of Korean Plastic Surgery, leading the standardization and advancement of non-surgical aesthetic techniques within traditional medicine.
Memberships: Active member of the Korean Society of Korean Dermatology, Korean Society of Korean Obesity Research, and Korean Pharmacopuncture Institute.

Media Presence and Public Engagement

Director Jang has maintained an active media profile, appearing on various health and variety programs (e.g., TV Chosun, "My Body Manual"). His media strategy aims to popularize Korean aesthetic medicine, demystifying traditional treatments and presenting them as viable alternatives.

Hospital Information & Philosophy

Institutional Identity & Philosophy

Roa Korean Medicine Clinic bridges traditional *Hanbang* (Korean Medicine) and contemporary cosmetic dermatology/surgery. It explicitly markets itself as a "Total Beauty Place," competing directly with conventional plastic surgery clinics in the highly competitive Gangnam district.

The clinic's philosophy centers on "Natural Beauty" and "Non-surgical Transformation." By utilizing traditional modalities such as acupuncture, thread embedding (maeseon), and herbal pharmacopuncture, it appeals to a demographic averse to invasive surgery's risks, downtime, and irreversibility.

Operational Characteristics

Operates under a network system, ensuring standardized care across branches.
Extended evening hours (Night Diagnosis) and Saturday hours to accommodate professionals.

Location & Accessibility

Roa KMC operates two primary branches in strategically high-traffic urban centers:

Gangnam Branch (Seoul): Located near Gangnam Station, the epicenter of Korea's plastic surgery industry, signaling intent to compete at the highest level.
Bucheon Branch (Gyeonggi-do): Located in Sang-dong, Bucheon, serving the metropolitan residential population.

Safety and Transparency Protocols

In response to concerns regarding "ghost surgeries" and safety, Roa KMC has implemented specific transparency measures:

CCTV Installation: Information indicates surveillance cameras in operating/procedure rooms, a significant trust-building measure.
Real-Name System: Ensures patients know exactly which doctor performs the procedure.
Female Doctors: Availability highlighted as a service feature for sensitive procedures.

Comprehensive Analysis of Major Procedures

1. Venus Ko (Venus Nose) & Rhinoplasty

The "Venus Ko" is arguably the clinic's flagship procedure. It's a non-surgical rhinoplasty using thick, barbed medical threads (PDO/PCL) inserted into the nose bridge and tip. Unlike liquid fillers, these threads act as a solid scaffold to physically lift tissue.

Mechanism: Solid scaffold threads for lifting, avoiding filler spread/vascular occlusion risks.
Marketing: 10-15 minute procedure, immediate results, minimal downtime, "Bi-jeolgae" (non-incisional).
Differentiation: Director Jang emphasizes structural design, leveraging his engineering background.

2. Facial Contouring and Lifting

The clinic offers procedures to refine facial lines and lift sagging skin without invasive surgery.

Yungwak Yakchim (Contour Pharmacopuncture): Injects herbal extracts to facilitate lipolysis and improve lymphatic drainage, targeting double chin and cheeks for a "V-line."
Thread Lifting: Utilizes various generations of threads (e.g., cog threads) to lift sagging skin on the face and body.

3. Diet and Obesity Management

Customized programs designed for appetite suppression, metabolism boosting, and targeted fat reduction.

Mein Hwan (Beauty Pill): A proprietary herbal formulation to suppress appetite and boost metabolism, available in various forms for convenience.
Body Contouring: Combination therapies using specialized equipment (devices) and acupuncture to target specific fat deposits.

4. Post-Surgical Care

Recognizing its location in the plastic surgery hub, Roa KMC offers specialized "After-Care" programs for patients post-surgery.

Includes treatments to reduce swelling (edema), manage bruising, and treat scar tissue (fibrosis) using traditional Korean medicine methods after surgery performed elsewhere.

Reputation and Market Perception Analysis

✓ Qualitative Strengths (Patient Praise)

Immediate Aesthetics: Patients frequently report satisfaction with the immediate visual improvement of "Venus Ko," noting effective nose bridge/tip elevation without surgery.
Service Quality: Reviews often highlight the kindness of staff and detailed counseling. The "transparency" of showing the mirror during procedures is praised.
Accessibility: The clinic's strategic location (Gangnam) and night clinic hours are cited as major conveniences.
High Quantitative Ratings: Maintains high ratings (e.g., 9.3 to 9.7 out of 10) on major aesthetic apps, with Director Jang holding a similar rating based on hundreds of reviews.

× Critical Discourse and Limitations (Considerations)

Durability Issues: A recurring theme is the longevity of thread lifts; some users report effects subsiding after 3–6 months as swelling reduces and threads absorb.
Side Effects: Specific issues with Venus Ko include thread protrusion (threads poking out), inflammation, and pain. Some expressed regret, suggesting surgery might be better long-term.
Cost Transparency: While prices are listed, some reviews mention separate VAT or the necessity of "unlimited" thread packages to achieve advertised results, potentially increasing the final cost.
Director's Stance on Safety: Director Jang publicly acknowledges rare inflammation but argues threads avoid vascular risks of liquid fillers, positioning them as a safer middle ground.

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Strategic Characteristics & Conclusion

Roa Korean Medicine Clinic, led by Director Jang Seok-won, is a significant player in Korea's non-surgical aesthetic market. It is characterized by its signature "Venus Ko" procedure, a fusion of engineering principles and traditional medicine, and a strong emphasis on safety and transparency. While it enjoys high popularity and satisfaction for its service and immediate results, potential patients are advised to weigh the convenience of non-surgical methods against the limitations regarding the longevity of results and the maintenance required compared to permanent surgical solutions.

Strategic Niche

Leveraging "fear of surgery" with minimally invasive "Petite" Korean Medicine procedures.

Engineer-Doctor Brand

Director Jang's POSTECH engineering background provides an aura of precision and structural integrity.

Transparency & Safety

Implementing CCTV and real-name systems to build patient trust in a competitive market.