Who can be a massage therapist in South Korea? The answer to this interesting question was shocking

In the episode of the game show 'Kim Milyoner Olmak İster', hosted by famous actor and successful presenter Oktay Kaynarca, which aired on January 12, 2025, a remarkable question asked to the contestant drew great interest. Here is the answer to the 200,000 TL question and the important information you need to know about the massage therapy law in South Korea...

Question: Who can legally be a massage therapist in South Korea?

A. The Visually Impaired

B. The Hearing Impaired

C. Individuals with Down Syndrome

D. The Physically Disabled

The contestant on 'Kim Milyoner Olmak İster' gave the correct answer to this question, moving one step closer to the grand prize.

Answer: A. The Visually Impaired

MASSAGE THERAPY AND LEGAL REGULATIONS IN SOUTH KOREA

In South Korea, the profession of massage therapy is exclusive to visually impaired individuals, and one must be visually impaired to work in this field. This legal regulation has been implemented since the early 20th century to support the employment of visually impaired people and to make them economically independent. The success of visually impaired individuals in the field of massage therapy ensures that this profession remains exclusive to them.

In 2006, individuals who were not visually impaired organized protests, arguing that this practice was discriminatory. However, the fear that visually impaired therapists would become unemployed if the law were repealed, along with some tragic incidents, led to the decision to maintain this law. In 2008, the Constitutional Court of South Korea upheld the law protecting the right of visually impaired individuals to practice this profession.