If you’ve been reading up on our international medical news recently, you may have stumbled upon the shocking story of staff posing for photos during surgery on a patient at a hospital in China. While the news was disturbing to say the least, it seems they’re not the only ones fooling around in the operating room, with a new set of images from a clinic in South Korea showing medical staff enjoying birthday cake, games and unabashed selfies, even with the patient lying unconscious in the medical chair.
The images, apparently posted by a staff member, were taken at the well-known Jewelry Plastic Surgery Center in the affluent district of Gangnam, an area made famous by pop star Psy’s worldwide hit “Gangnam Style”. The behaviour of staff at this particular clinic has led many to question what really goes on in the multi-million dollar industry. The collection of photos show a number of questionable practices, including what look like impromptu parties being held and staff striking poses which show little regard for the patient in their care.
▼ In line for the “what-were-they-thinking?” award of the year is this worker – who actually tagged the hospital director behind her – used the hashtag #inthemiddleofanoperation, and then posted her picture online.
▼ Other staff appear to gossip and play-fight while a patient lies in the chair, unaware of what’s going on around her.
▼ These photos were taken when the surgeon apparently allowed staff to enjoy a party in the operating room.
▼ And burgers in the operating room.
▼ How not to respect the patient: strike a pose with their implant. And then post it on social media.
▼ Time for the operation – but first, let me take a selfie.
▼ A surgical clinic is not the place to make it rain with money taken from your clientelle.
The clinic has reportedly apologised for the actions of its staff and officials are conducting an investigation into any possible violation of medical laws. If their behaviour is deemed to have damaged the reputation of medical practitioners, a suspension can be ordered under South Korean medical law.
Source/images: Otonarisoku
Plastic surgery clinic in Seoul makes art out of patients’ jaw bones
Brazilian man spends over $3,000 on plastic surgery to look ‘Korean’
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Can a downtown Tokyo super sento bathhouse beat a hotel for a one-night stay?
Studio Ghibli celebrates the magic of movie theaters with short video, Hayao Miyazaki illustration
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Here’s what US$90 worth of katsu curry looks like at CoCo Ichibanya: A mountain of cutlets!
Official Evangelion emergency rations, with curry and beef bowls, are now on sale【Photos】
Fan makes functional Hatsune Miku digi-keytar
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says