Analysis Report

Roa Korean Medicine Clinic

Jang Seok-won, Representative Director - In-depth Analysis

Non-Surgical Aesthetics Korean Medicine Fusion Engineer-Doctor Approach

Key Points Overview

Institution Overview

Roa KMC is a prominent network of aesthetic-focused clinics (Gangnam, Bucheon), positioning itself as a "Total Beauty Place" integrating traditional Korean medicine with modern aesthetic procedures.

Leadership Profile

Representative Director Jang Seok-won possesses a distinctive background: POSTECH (engineering) + Kyung Hee University (Korean Medical license & Ph.D.). He is President of the Korean Society of Korean Plastic Surgery.

Signature Procedures

The clinic is renowned for "Venus Ko" (non-surgical rhinoplasty using barbed threads), along with lifting and diet programs. Focus is on minimally invasive, non-incisional treatments.

Reputation & Discourse

High quantitative ratings (9.3–9.4/10) with appreciation for immediate results. Critical discourse exists regarding durability of thread-based nose lifts and potential side effects.

Director Profile: Jang Seok-won

Academic Background & Dual Expertise

Director Jang's educational background uniquely combines engineering logic and medical science, distinguishing him within the medical community.

  • Engineering Foundation: Graduated from POSTECH (Pohang University of Science and Technology), suggesting a precise, structural approach to aesthetics.
  • Medical Training: Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine (premier traditional medicine institution), where he also completed Master's and Ph.D. coursework.

Professional Leadership & Affiliations

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

Media Presence & Public Engagement

Director Jang actively utilizes media (e.g., TV Chosun, "My Body Manual") to popularize Korean aesthetic medicine, demystifying traditional treatments and presenting them as viable alternatives.

Hospital Information

Institutional Identity & Philosophy

Roa KMC bridges traditional Hanbang (Korean Medicine) and contemporary cosmetic dermatology, explicitly marketing itself as a "Total Beauty Place" in the competitive Gangnam district.

Its philosophy centers on "Natural Beauty" and "Non-surgical Transformation," utilizing traditional modalities like acupuncture, thread embedding, and herbal pharmacopuncture to appeal to those averse to invasive surgery. The clinic operates under a network system for standardized care.

Location & Accessibility

  • Gangnam Branch: Located near Gangnam Station (Seoul), a central hub for Korea's plastic surgery industry.
  • Bucheon Branch: Located in Sang-dong, Bucheon (Gyeonggi-do), serving the metropolitan residential population.

Safety & Transparency Protocols

  • CCTV Installation: Information provided on surveillance cameras in procedure rooms to build trust.
  • Real-Name System: "Name & Credentials Disclosed" policy ensures patients know their practitioner.
  • Female Doctors: Availability of female practitioners highlighted for patient preference.

Operating Hours (Night Diagnosis)

  • Weekdays: Typically 11:00 – 21:00
  • Saturdays: 10:00 – 16:00

Key Procedures

Venus Ko (Venus Nose) & Rhinoplasty

The clinic's flagship procedure, "Venus Ko," is a non-surgical rhinoplasty using barbed medical threads as a solid scaffold to physically lift the nose bridge and tip.

  • Marketed as 10-15 minute, immediate results, minimal downtime.
  • Lower risk of spreading compared to liquid fillers; "Bi-jeolgae" (non-incisional).
  • Director Jang leverages his engineering background for structural design.

Facial Contouring and Lifting

Targeting facial aesthetics, these procedures aim for a more defined and youthful appearance without invasive surgery.

  • Yungwak Yakchim (Contour Pharmacopuncture): Herbal extracts for lipolysis and lymphatic drainage (e.g., double chin, V-line).
  • Thread Lifting: Utilizes various threads (e.g., cog threads) to lift sagging skin on the face and body.

Diet and Obesity Management

Roa KMC offers comprehensive programs for weight and body contour management, integrating traditional Korean medicine principles.

  • Mein Hwan (Beauty Pill): Proprietary herbal formulation to suppress appetite and boost metabolism, available in various forms.
  • Body Contouring: Combination therapies using equipment and acupuncture for targeted fat deposits.

Post-Surgical Care

Specialized "After-Care" programs cater to patients who have undergone surgery elsewhere, utilizing traditional Korean medical methods.

  • Treatments to reduce swelling (edema) and manage bruising.
  • Treatment for scar tissue (fibrosis) using traditional approaches.

Reputation and Market Perception

Qualitative Strengths & Patient Praise

  • Immediate Aesthetics: High satisfaction with immediate visual improvement from "Venus Ko," effectively lifting nose bridge and tip without surgery.
  • Service Quality: Frequent praise for staff kindness and detailed counseling. Transparency, such as showing the mirror during procedures, is appreciated.
  • Accessibility: Strategic location in Gangnam and extended night clinic hours are major conveniences for patients.

Critical Discourse & Limitations

  • Durability Issues: A recurring concern is the longevity of thread lifts, with some reporting effects subsiding after 3–6 months due to swelling reduction and thread absorption/settling.
  • Side Effects: Associated with Venus Ko, reported issues include thread protrusion, inflammation, and pain. Some patients express regret, considering surgical rhinoplasty a better long-term option due to recurring costs.
  • Cost Transparency: Reviews sometimes mention that VAT is separate or that "unlimited" thread packages are necessary, potentially increasing the final price beyond initial expectations.

Quantitative Metrics & Director's Stance

The clinic maintains high ratings (e.g., 9.3 to 9.7 out of 10) on major aesthetic apps like Gangnam Unni, with Director Jang specifically holding around 9.3 based on thousands of reviews, indicating a high patient volume.

Director Jang has publicly addressed side effects, acknowledging rare occurrences like inflammation but emphasizing that threads avoid vascular risks associated with liquid fillers (e.g., blindness). He positions the procedure as a safer middle ground between fillers and surgery.

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.

Non-Surgical Aesthetics Precision & Natural Beauty Korean Medicine Innovation