A trend of South Korean beauticians performing illicit cosmetic treatments, such as eyebrow and lip microblading, has drawn the attention of Hong Kong law enforcement. These procedures, often performed in private or non-regulated settings, lack the necessary local medical or professional permits required by Hong Kong law.

Following a series of enforcement actions, the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong has issued a public advisory to its nationals. The consulate explicitly warned that providing these services without the proper documentation constitutes a breach of local regulations and can lead to criminal consequences.

The issue gained visibility after Hong Kong immigration authorities conducted two arrests this year related to these activities. One such incident, which occurred last week, involved a South Korean make-up artist who was taken into custody while in the middle of performing a treatment. While the SCMP report highlights the legal risks and the consulate's intervention, it does not detail the specific licensing pathways available to foreign nationals or the scale of the underground market beyond the recent arrests.