K-pop Star Kwon Mina Faces "Possibility Of Permanent Scarring" From 2nd-Degree Facial Burns After Aesthetic Treatment Gone Wrong

Earlier this year, former K-pop idol-turned-actress Kwon Mina, 32, opened up about a dermatology procedure that went wrong — an incident that continues to affect her today, according to her recent update.

In January, the former AOA member revealed she had suffered second-degree burns to her face after undergoing a Shurink lifting procedure. She had done the treatment in hopes of looking her best for several upcoming projects she had booked. 

The non-surgical high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment was meant to tighten and lift the skin, but instead left Mina with serious facial burns requiring ongoing treatment.

Mina recalled waking up after the procedure in intense pain, adding that her skin had peeled in layers and that blisters had developed on the affected area. She was deeply distressed upon discovering the extent of her injuries.

She also said that the clinic failed to obtain proper consent or provide adequate explanations before the procedure. According to Mina, she was not asked to sign consent forms or undergo a skin consultation, and was never informed about the treatment's risks or potential side effects.

Last week (June 5), Mina provided an update on the condition of her burn injuries five months on. Photos of her skin showed that the affected areas were still red, with prominent scars remaining. 

She shared that she has been receiving consistent treatment at a hospital, and while her condition has improved significantly since January, “from this point on, the recovery has slowed down, and honestly, I’m very scared”.

She added that she was initially told she would require two years of treatment, including possible skin graft surgery, but is now looking at at least one more year of treatment. She also added that “the possibility of permanent scarring cannot be ruled out”.

Mina has had to halt her work and refund appearance fees for shoots she was forced to cancel. 

The director of the clinic that performed the procedure has provided 20 million won (S$16,800) in compensation, including 9.2 million won (S$7,700) for filming-related losses, as well as reimbursement for medication and treatment costs.

“After March, the clinic said they wanted to proceed with legal action, and support for future treatment was cut off, so I’m now paying for all medical expenses myself,” she revealed.

On top of that, she is also covering the cost of psychiatric medication, as the experience has left her experiencing panic attacks, as well as expenses for transportation, medication, and recovery-related products.

She estimated an income loss of 74 million won (S$62,000), along with a further 20 to 30 million won (S$17,000–S$25,000) in missed opportunities.

Now, she is considering taking legal action. Mina shared that she has spoken with around seven law firms, and they all raised possible concerns about medical negligence and violations of medical law. 

She initially suggested a settlement of about 35 million won (around S$29,000) to cover a year of future treatment costs, leaving the amount for emotional damages up to the clinic director to decide.

However, she said she since told that her message could instead be seen as a threat. She added: “The director may also be having a hard time, but how do you think I feel after my life completely changed overnight?”