Former AOA member and actress Kwon Mina is speaking out about a harrowing experience with a cosmetic skin procedure that left her with second-degree burns and triggered panic attacks. The incident, which occurred on , has prompted Mina to share graphic images of her injuries and raise serious concerns about consent and medical practices within the South Korean beauty industry.
Mina detailed her ordeal in a lengthy Instagram post on , explaining that she underwent a “Shrink lifting” procedure involving 600 shots while under sedation. She had scheduled a busy period of work from late January through February and sought the treatment hoping to improve her appearance. However, the results were devastating. “When I opened my eyes, I felt a tearing pain in my skin,” she wrote, describing the moment she awoke after the procedure. “I was crying and asked to see a mirror. My skin had peeled layer by layer from the burns, curling upward, and there was discharge, and blisters. It was truly devastating.”
The actress shared photos showing severe burns on both her cheeks and neck, images that quickly circulated online and sparked widespread discussion about the pressures faced by female idols and the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures in South Korea. The incident has also led to reports of panic attacks and the postponement of scheduled activities.
Beyond the physical trauma, Mina alleges a lack of proper consent and explanation from the clinic where she received the treatment. She claims she wasn’t asked to sign a sedation consent form, a procedure consent form, or a form regarding photo documentation. She states she did not receive a skin consultation or diagnosis before undergoing the Shrink lifting procedure. “They said I couldn’t sign consent forms every time because I had signed one in October 2025,” Mina explained in her post. “But since I had different procedures each time, I never received guidance or consent forms specifically about Shrink, its effects, or side effects.”
Mina’s concerns center on the differing risks and effects associated with each procedure, and whether the clinic adequately informed her of these potential complications. While the clinic reportedly maintained they hadn’t violated medical law, Mina expressed uncertainty, stating, “If that’s the case, then maybe they didn’t. I don’t know.”
The case highlights the intense pressure within the South Korean entertainment industry for artists to maintain a certain appearance. As reported by Times Now, Mina’s experience is a stark example of the toll these rigid beauty standards can take on female idols. The pursuit of perfection, often fueled by societal expectations and industry demands, can lead individuals to undergo potentially risky procedures with unforeseen consequences.
The fallout from the procedure has been significant for Mina, extending beyond the physical pain and emotional distress. Her mother reportedly saw the condition of her face and cried, adding to the emotional burden. The incident has also impacted her professional life, forcing her to postpone scheduled work.
On , Kwon Mina filed a lawsuit following the incident, according to reports from Chosun Biz. This legal action signals her intent to seek accountability and address the alleged negligence that led to her injuries. The lawsuit is expected to shed further light on the practices of the clinic and the standards of care provided to patients undergoing cosmetic procedures.
Koreaboo reported that Mina also questioned the clinic’s explanation for the burns, noting that a doctor suggested a defective device tip as the cause, but then stated that a faulty tip wouldn’t have allowed the procedure to function at all. This discrepancy further fueled her concerns about the clinic’s transparency and the thoroughness of their investigation.
Mina’s case is likely to reignite the debate surrounding cosmetic surgery regulations and patient rights in South Korea. The incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential risks associated with cosmetic procedures and the importance of informed consent, thorough consultations, and rigorous safety standards. It also underscores the need for greater awareness of the pressures faced by individuals in the entertainment industry to conform to unrealistic beauty ideals.
As Mina pursues legal action, the case is expected to draw increased scrutiny to the practices of cosmetic clinics in South Korea and potentially lead to calls for stricter regulations and greater protection for patients. The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for the industry and the future of cosmetic surgery practices in the country.
