As we enter autumn, it is a time when the number of elderly people visiting Korean medicine clinics due to seasonal pain increases. However, it was recently revealed through a court ruling that a 92-year-old patient receiving treatment for back pain at a clinic in Sejong City died of a myocardial rupture during an acupuncture procedure. The attending physician was sentenced to a fine of 20 million won on charges including negligent homicide. Let us take a closer look at the circumstances under which this incident occurred and what specific factors the court deemed to be negligence.
How the Death from Acupuncture Procedures at a Korean Medicine Clinic in Sejong City Occurred
This incident occurred on August 14, 2022, at a Korean medicine clinic in Geumnam-myeon, Sejong City. Patient B, a 92-year-old who visited the clinic for back pain, died that afternoon after suffering a myocardial rupture while receiving acupuncture treatment on his chest.
According to the prosecution's investigation, the attending Korean medicine doctor inserted three acupuncture needles into Mr. B's chest. It was determined that one of them penetrated too deeply, causing a microscopic myocardial rupture inside the pericardium.
The procedure began around 2:35 PM. The patient died around 5:08 PM, and the time elapsed from the start of the procedure to death was approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes.
How Was the Response to Symptoms Complained After Acupuncture Procedure?
The patient complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing after the procedure. However, the prosecution determined that appropriate measures were not taken for about 15 minutes even after these symptoms appeared.
During this time, the situation continued without any significant response, and the patient lost consciousness. Only then was the patient transferred to a nearby hospital, but ultimately passed away.
However, this 15-minute timeframe was a judgment presented by the prosecution during the investigation and indictment process, and it is not clearly distinguishable from the news reports alone whether the court cited it as fact in the judgment. In either case, it is clear that the delay in the response following the onset of symptoms was the key issue in this case.
Charges acknowledged by the court and the reason for the 20 million won fine
The 5th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court disclosed the details of the sentencing in this case around October 24, 2026. The court sentenced the attending Korean medicine doctor to a fine of 20 million won on charges of negligent homicide, violation of the Medical Service Act, and obstruction of business.
The charge of violating the Medical Service Act stemmed from the failure to create medical records. The charge of obstruction of business is a separate offense that was uncovered during the investigation, distinct from the death caused by the acupuncture procedure.
During the sentencing process, the court considered the grave consequence of the patient's death and the fact that the defendant committed a separate act of obstruction of business during the investigation as aggravating factors. Conversely, the defendant's admission of guilt and remorse, reaching an agreement with the bereaved family, and depositing funds with the victim of the obstruction of business were reflected as favorable factors.
What is a myocardial rupture and why acupuncture on the chest can be dangerous
Myocardial rupture refers to damage in which the heart muscle tissue itself is torn. If the heart or surrounding structures are damaged, bleeding may occur, and if this blood accumulates within the pericardium, there is a risk of it progressing to a serious condition called cardiac tamponade.
The chest area is densely populated with vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Therefore, when inserting needles into this region, precise anatomical knowledge and meticulous control over the insertion depth are particularly important.
In this case, it was found that a basic pulse diagnosis was not performed prior to the procedure, and the patient was not sufficiently informed about the risks associated with the chest procedure.
Should acupuncture treatment as a whole be considered dangerous?
Upon hearing about this incident, one might feel that acupuncture treatment itself is dangerous. However, since this occurred in an area close to vital organs, such as the chest, it is difficult to equate it with the risks associated with acupuncture treatment in general.
It is also explained that life-threatening complications, such as heart damage, during acupuncture treatment are not commonly reported. However, since this is a general explanation rather than a statistically confirmed figure, it is important to understand that the degree of risk can vary depending on the treatment site and the patient's condition, rather than concluding that acupuncture is always safe or dangerous.
However, as acupuncture is clearly a medical procedure, the possibility of side effects cannot be completely ruled out. In particular, it is advisable for the elderly, patients with heart or lung disease, or those taking anticoagulants to inform the medical staff of their health condition and any medications they are currently taking before the procedure.
Why you must respond immediately if these symptoms appear after the procedure
Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath after acupuncture treatment should not be taken lightly. Extra caution is required if symptoms such as cold sweats or blurred consciousness occur along with it.
When such symptoms occur, you must immediately call 119 to receive emergency response. In this incident as well, the delay in the response after the onset of symptoms is being cited as the cause of the unfortunate outcome.
If you plan to receive acupuncture treatment on areas adjacent to vital organs, such as the chest, back, or neck, it is necessary to receive a thorough explanation of the risks before the procedure and to disclose any underlying medical conditions or medications you are taking in advance. It is important to remember once again that the outcome can be determined by whether a prompt and appropriate response is provided in the event of any adverse symptoms.
Key Points Summarized in Q&A
Q1. When and where did this incident occur?
This occurred on August 14, 2022, at a Korean medicine clinic in Geumnam-myeon, Sejong City. A 92-year-old patient visited for treatment of back pain and died on the same day after suffering a myocardial rupture during acupuncture treatment on the chest area.
Q2. On what charge was the Korean medicine doctor sentenced to a fine?
The 5th Criminal Division of the Daejeon District Court sentenced the defendant to a fine of 20 million won on charges of negligent homicide, violation of the Medical Service Act (failure to prepare medical records), and obstruction of business. Among these, the charge of obstruction of business was handled as a separate matter from this death case.
Q3. What symptoms did the patient show before death?
It was reported that the patient complained of chest pain and difficulty breathing after the procedure. The prosecution determined that appropriate measures were not taken for about 15 minutes after these symptoms appeared.
Q4. Is acupuncture generally a dangerous treatment?
This incident occurred during a procedure on the chest area near the heart and lungs, so it cannot be equated with the risks associated with acupuncture treatment as a whole. However, as acupuncture is a medical procedure, there is a possibility of side effects; therefore, it is necessary to fully disclose one's health condition before the procedure.
Q5. What symptoms should I be careful of if they appear after acupuncture treatment?
If you experience symptoms such as sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, cold sweats, or loss of consciousness, you must immediately call 119 to receive emergency assistance. It is important not to dismiss these symptoms as mere pain.