BEYOND THE KDRAMA~ S Korea's GHOST DOCTORS

In South Korea, the "ghost doctor" issue refers to an illegal practice where a surgery is performed by someone other than the surgeon the patient hired. While the patient is unconscious under anesthesia, the lead surgeon—often a high-profile doctor used for marketing—slips out, and a "ghost" (substitute) takes over. 

Key Aspects of the Crisis

• Who are the "Ghosts"?: Substitutes are often junior doctors, dentists, nurses, or even medical equipment salespeople looking to gain experience or help the clinic maximize profits.
• Root Cause: The practice is driven by South Korea's massive, high-pressure cosmetic surgery industry. Clinics use "star doctors" to attract patients but then run multiple surgeries simultaneously like a "factory" to increase revenue.
• The Kwon Dae-hee Case: This issue gained international attention after the 2016 death of Kwon Dae-hee, a 24-year-old student who bled to death during a jawline surgery performed largely by a nurse's aide and an inexperienced doctor while the main surgeon was in another room. 

Legal Reforms and the "CCTV Law"

Public outcry from cases like Kwon's led to a landmark legal shift. In August 2021, South Korea passed a law mandating the installation of surveillance cameras (CCTV) in operating rooms where patients are under general anesthesia. 

• Requirements: Hospitals must record procedures if requested by the patient or their guardian.
• Controversy: The Korean Medical Association (KMA) and other medical groups strongly opposed the law, arguing it violates patient privacy, infringes on doctors' rights, and might discourage surgeons from taking risks in life-saving procedures.
• Implementation: The law officially went into effect in September 2023 after a two-year grace period. 

Current Risks and Precautions

Despite the law, the practice remains difficult to fully eradicate due to loopholes and the sheer volume of clinics. 

• Victim Estimates: The Korean Society of Plastic Surgeons once estimated there were roughly 100,000 victims of ghost surgery between 2008 and 2014.
• Advice for Patients: Experts from the Korean Association of Plastic Surgeons recommend that patients verify their surgeon's credentials, request a confirmation that the specific doctor will perform the entire procedure, and utilize their right to have the surgery filmed.