Plastic surgery clinic thrust into Choi scandal

A plastic surgery clinic in Seoul's Gangnam district has become embroiled in the political scandal plaguing President Park Geun-hye.

The clinic that Choi Soon-sil, Park’s confidante accused of meddling in state affairs, and her daughter Chung Yoo-ra are said to have frequented for skin care treatments is accused of receiving favors from Cheong Wa Dae.

After suspicions surfaced, the plastic surgery clinic, which also runs a skin care clinic and cosmetics business, had closed down and was unavailable when The Korea Herald tried to reach them Wednesday.

According to multiple news reports, a director of the clinic, only identified by the surname Kim, was appointed as a doctor and professor at Seoul National University Hospital in July, even though SNUH does not conduct plastic surgery procedures, nor does it provide aesthetic medical services.

Kim’s Kim’s appointment came two months after Suh Chang-suk, a former presidential doctor, was appointed as the new head of the SNUH in May.

“Director Suh appointed Kim as a doctor and professor, probably at Choi’s personal request. ... Not only that, a presidential secretary supported Kim’s medical business’ expansion overseas,” an official from SNUH was quoted as saying.

The SNUH denied all allegations Wednesday and said it did not know of any relationship between Choi and Kim. It also added that it withdrew the appointment of Kim in mid-July after the hospital saw no reason for bringing in Kim.

On Tuesday, a local media outlet reported that two other director-level officials from the plastic surgery clinic also accompanied President Park when she made visits to South American countries, China, Africa and France between April last year and May this year.

Cosmetics manufactured by the hospital were also selected for a New Year’s Day gift set at Cheong Wa Dae. They also recently entered duty-free stores here.

By Kim Da-sol (ddd@heraldcorp.com)