By Kim Rahn
A leading “expert” in acupuncture and moxibustion has been indicted for performing unlicensed medical treatment.
Seoul Northern District Prosecutors’ Office Tuesday indicted the legendary acupuncturist Kim Nam-soo without physical detention on charges of giving lectures on the traditional medical methods without a license for moxibustion and receiving 14.3 billion won profit in lecture fees.
The indictment comes amid disputes over the needle stuck in the lung of former President Roh Tae-woo. Oriental doctors’ groups demanded the prosecution find the person who “illegally” performed the treatment on Roh, while some media reported one of Kim’s apprentices gave the treatment.
Prosecutors also indicted the vice head of Tmsarang, a volunteer group organized by Kim, and the group’s director general.
The 96-year-old allegedly gave lectures on acupuncture and moxibustion at the organization’s headquarters in central Seoul and five branches in provinces from July 2000 to the end of last year, according to the prosecution.
He is also suspected of having had trainees take a test and issued private licenses for moxibustion to about 1,600 people.
Tmsarang has recruited trainees and provided lectures since its foundation in 1997, but has been under controversy over the legitimacy of its activities.
Kim started performing acupuncture and moxibustion treatment before the nation adopted Oriental medicine in 1953. After a new Medical Law abolished a system allowing both acupuncture and moxibustion procedures in 1962, he obtained a license for acupuncture in 1983 through an administrative suit, but not one for moxibustion.
Oriental medicine doctors have called Kim’s treatment illegal, and he has been investigated over 11 times for lacking a license, but this is the first time he has faced indictment.
Kim protested against the move, claiming acupuncture and moxibustion are folk remedies and teaching their methodology is not for profit but volunteer work. He added the lecture fee was used for the organization’s operations, not for personal gain.