Are stem cell injections illegal? No legal issues if they aren't cultured.

It is reported that there is a steady stream of people in Japan, the United States, and other countries seeking 'stem cell culture injections' with the aim of maintaining youthfulness and improving the body's anti-aging physiological functions even in old age.

A single stem cell injection costs tens of millions of won. Nevertheless, rumors suggest that some segments of the population who can afford the cost are engaging in ultra-expensive overseas medical tourism due to word-of-mouth claims that it contributes to strengthening the body's regenerative power and boosting vitality.

Some argue that the spread of misinformation claiming that domestic stem cell injection therapy is 'illegal'—unlike in other countries—plays a role, and advise that stem cell injections can be received more cheaply in Korea if they are uncultured.

According to multiple sources in the medical community on the 21st, it has been reported that "medical tourism abroad," in which some high-income groups including wealthy people in Gangnam receive stem cell anti-aging injections at specialized medical institutions in Japan and the United States, is continuously taking place.

A hospital official who requested anonymity stated, "Rumors are circulating that Mr. A, known as the chairman of a mid-sized domestic company, paid tens of millions of won to receive stem cell injections in Japan, indicating that some wealthy individuals continue to travel abroad for stem cell treatments." The official added, "It appears that overseas stem cell anti-aging treatments are becoming a trend among certain segments of the financially capable, as testimonials from those who have already undergone the procedure for anti-aging purposes spread by word of mouth."

일본 등지에서 줄기세포 항노화 주사 치료는 주사 1샷(shot) 당 3000만 원 정도의 비용을 지불해야 맞을 수 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 우리 돈 1억 원 정도를 지불해도 3~4회 정도 주사만 가능하다. 한 업계 관계자는 “줄기세포가 마치 일각에서 ‘현대판 불로초’인 것처럼 여겨지는데 기인한 것 같다”고 언급했다.

It is difficult to call stem cells the modern-day "elixir of immortality." However, the academic community understands that they contribute to maintaining bodily homeostasis and preventing aging through roles such as regenerating internal tissues and secreting growth factors.

It is understood that in the case of stem cell breast augmentation, where stem cells are mixed and injected along with fat grafts, the rate at which blood vessels grow between pure fat cells and fat tissue regenerates is maximized from the conventional level of 10–20% to an average of 70% (based on an international paper by Dr. Shin Dong-jin, Chief Director of SC301 Clinic). It is said that word of mouth about this tissue regeneration function is attracting medical tourists.

Some point out that the misconception that domestic stem cell therapy is "illegal" leads to overseas treatment and the "waste of foreign currency." In principle, stem cell culture is not illegal in Korea. However, since cultured cells are considered pharmaceuticals, they require years of clinical trials and billions of won in research and development costs—typical of new drug development—making it virtually impossible for the general public to receive the procedure.

On the other hand, there are no legal issues with uncultured injection therapy, which involves injecting pure, purified stem cells immediately after extraction or storing them in cell banking equipment for later injection. Since there is no culture process involved, the cost is known to be significantly lower compared to overseas.

There is also no significant qualitative difference in stem cell injections depending on whether the cells are cultured or uncultured. It is difficult to say that one method is more effective or advantageous than the other, given that the cultured method allows for securing a large quantity even with the extraction of only a small amount, while the uncultured method maximizes the use of high-quality, pure stem cells extracted directly from the body.

In this regard, Shin Dong-jin, the chief director of SC301 Clinic, one of the leading stem cell specialty hospitals in Korea, advised, “The important thing is that regardless of whether the cells are cultured or uncultured, at least 50 million high-quality stem cells must be injected at once to reach each part of the body and exert anti-aging effects.” He added, “Therefore, if you can receive treatment at a hospital equipped with proper stem cell extraction and purification equipment, as well as a cell counter to verify the number of effective cells injected, receiving stem cell anti-aging treatment in Korea may be more reasonable considering the price, time required, and travel expenses.”

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