Analysis Report
Dr. Cha Myeong-gyu, Representative Director, In-depth Analysis
Founded in 2010, Wannabe Plastic Surgery has operated for over 15 years without a change in name or ownership, maintaining a reported accident-free record.
Led by three representative directors from Samsung Medical Center or Seoul National University, all specialists in their fields.
Dr. Cha integrates stem cell therapy in complex rhinoplasty, while Dr. Jang holds patents for "Jang's Needle" for under-eye fat repositioning.
Strict "Real-Name System," CCTVs in surgical suites, and an in-house anesthesiology department ensure patient safety.
Wannabe Plastic Surgery (워너비성형외과) was established in 2010 in Apgujeong, Seoul, by two plastic surgery specialists, Dr. Cha Myeong-gyu and Dr. Jang Cheol-ho. The clinic was founded as a counter-response to the prevailing "factory-type" medical practices in large plastic surgery hospitals, where high-volume patient turnover often compromised personalized care.
For over 15 years, the clinic has maintained its original name and leadership structure, a significant indicator of stability in the volatile Gangnam plastic surgery market where rebranding to escape negative reputations is common. Recently, the clinic relocated to a new facility near Sinsa Station to expand its infrastructure and accessibility.
The operational ethos of Wannabe Plastic Surgery is defined by "Responsible Care" (책임 진료). This philosophy mandates that the representative directors personally manage the entire patient journey—from the initial consultation and surgical planning to the procedure itself and post-operative management.
The clinic explicitly rejects the use of "Shadow Doctors" (substitute surgeons) and "Pay Doctors" (temporary hired hands), ensuring that the surgeon consulted is the surgeon who operates. The medical team is composed exclusively of plastic surgery specialists and anesthesiologists from top-tier Korean institutions, specifically Seoul National University (SNU) and Samsung Medical Center (SMC).
As of the 2024-2025 period, the leadership team expanded with the addition of Dr. Moon Ye-seul as a third representative director, reinforcing the clinic's capacity for anti-aging and female-centric aesthetic procedures.
Graduate of Seoul National University College of Medicine; Specialist at Samsung Medical Center.
Invented and patented "Jang's Needle" (EZ-Tcon) for non-incisional under-eye fat repositioning, allowing for internal fixation without external skin incisions.
Graduate of Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Specialist at Samsung Medical Center.
Joined as a representative director to enhance capabilities in anti-aging, lifting, and skin boosters, offering a female surgeon's perspective.
Led by Dr. Hong Jeong-eun, a board-certified anesthesiologist from Seoul National University.
Ensures real-time monitoring during sedation and general anesthesia, a critical safety factor.
Dr. Cha Myeong-gyu is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a distinguished academic and clinical pedigree.
Dr. Cha's expertise in rhinoplasty is bolstered by significant international training in the United States and Taiwan:
Dr. Cha is widely recognized as a "nose specialist" within the Korean medical community. His clinical focus encompasses:
The clinic's rhinoplasty center focuses on both aesthetic enhancement and functional reconstruction.
This procedure is a flagship offering of the clinic, distinguished by the use of the patented "Jang's Needle."
Moving beyond simple aesthetics, the clinic has established a Stem Cell Treatment Center.
Wannabe Plastic Surgery emphasizes a "15-Year Accident-Free" record as a primary marketing point, supported by several tangible safety infrastructures.
The clinic actively markets to international patients, with specific outreach channels for different regions:
| Category | Strengths | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Expertise | High-level pedigree (Samsung Medical Center, SNU); Patented technologies (Jang's Needle); Stem cell research. | High specialization might mean higher price points compared to budget clinics. |
| Safety | 15-year accident-free record; CCTV in OR; Anesthesiologist on-site. | Strict safety protocols may result in conservative surgical approaches (rejecting unrealistic patient demands). |
| Reputation | Strong trust due to longevity; "Jaryeohan" aesthetic; No shadow doctors. | Doctor consultation times can be perceived as short by some patients expecting lengthy discussions. |
| Facilities | Newly relocated, modern facilities; Advanced diagnostic equipment (3D CT). | Located in the highly competitive Sinsa/Gangnam area, potentially leading to busy waiting times. |
Wannabe Plastic Surgery, under the leadership of Dr. Cha Myeong-gyu, occupies a "premium boutique" segment within the Korean plastic surgery market. It differentiates itself from high-volume factory clinics through a steadfast commitment to the "Real-Name System," a 15-year history of stability, and high-level medical expertise rooted in Samsung Medical Center's training.
Dr. Cha Myeong-gyu is established as a leading authority in rhinoplasty, particularly for complex revision cases requiring stem cell therapy. His approach balances structural integrity with the "Jaryeohan" aesthetic favored by modern Korean and international patients. The clinic's recent expansion and inclusion of Dr. Moon Ye-seul suggest a strategic move towards a "Total Care" model that integrates surgical aesthetics with anti-aging and regenerative medicine.
For patients, Wannabe Plastic Surgery represents a safe and technically proficient choice, particularly for those prioritizing natural results and safety over extreme transformations or low cost. The clinic's transparency regarding surgical staff and its long-standing accident-free record remain its most significant competitive advantages.
Ensuring surgeon accountability.
A testament to trust & consistent quality.
The "Jaryeohan" philosophy.