On January 8, Kwon Mina took to Instagram to share her ordeal, stating, "In my desire to look prettier, I underwent a sleep-induced Shrink Lifting procedure. When I woke up, I was in excruciating pain, and my facial skin was peeling off due to burns." She accompanied her post with two photos.
The photos reveal Kwon Mina's cheeks and part of her neck appearing red and inflamed. She explained, "I have sustained second-degree deep burns, affecting 10% of my face."
Second-degree deep burns damage the deeper layers of the dermis, resulting in dull pain, slow recovery, and a high likelihood of scarring.
According to Kwon Mina, the clinic denies any negligence during the procedure, attributing the incident to a 'defective device tip.' She claims, "The clinic has not followed basic procedures like obtaining consent forms since last month," and added, "The doctor insists on treating me at a non-specialized burn clinic."
Kwon Mina lamented, "I had precious opportunities lined up, but now I can't show my face, and all my plans have been canceled." She also expressed her distress, saying, "The incident has caused not only financial loss but also mental anguish, leading to panic attacks."
Although Kwon Mina sought an amicable settlement, the clinic's demand for a 'legally appropriate amount' has led to a breakdown in negotiations. She is now preparing for civil and criminal lawsuits. "I've been a victim in a case that's been in court for over four years, and now I have to go through another lawsuit," she said, expressing her determination to pursue legal action.
Kwon Mina debuted as a member of AOA in 2012, gaining popularity with hits like 'Heart Attack,' 'Bingle Bangle,' 'Like a Cat,' and 'Short Skirt.' She left the group in 2019 and later brought attention to bullying issues within the group, leading to AOA's eventual disbandment. Since then, she has pursued acting and worked as a dermatology consultant, though she has since halted these activities and terminated her contract with her agency after just a month.
Below is Kwon Mina's full statement from her social media:
On January 24, 2026, I suddenly had many good opportunities and appointments lined up for the end of January to February, so I decided to undergo a 600-shot sleep-induced Shrink Lifting procedure to look prettier. When I opened my eyes, I felt excruciating pain as if my skin was tearing apart. I wanted to see the mirror, but my skin was peeling off in layers due to burns, with blisters and oozing.
It was just despairing. The doctor said nothing happened during the procedure. They suggested the cause might be a defective Shrink tip, but when I asked if they checked the tip, they said if it were defective, it wouldn't work.
So, what was the cause?
I've been visiting this clinic regularly once a month. Since last month, they haven't asked for consent forms, procedure guides, or photos. I haven't received any skin diagnosis or consultation before the procedure.
They said they didn't need to get consent every time because I signed one in October 2025. But why do other clinics ask for it every time?
I've never received any guidance or consent for Shrink procedures here, even though I've had different procedures each time. The lifting consent I signed in October 2025 was for a V-Lifting procedure using ultrasound and radiofrequency, which is different from Shrink, so the effects and side effects would differ. But they said they didn't violate any medical laws. So, I guess they didn't violate anything? I don't know. This incident has caused panic attacks, and my mom found out about my face condition and cried. It's heartbreaking.
I've been apologizing every day for postponing or canceling appointments, and it makes me cry. There are people I haven't contacted yet, and I really want to say I'm sorry. I wanted to work hard with them.
I don't know when the burn and scar treatment will end or if there will be scars. It's really upsetting to miss out on so many opportunities.
Why do opportunities come at such times? I don't know why my life is going this way. Is being born a sin?
The diagnosis is second-degree deep burns, with 10% of my body being facial burns. Burns are really painful.
I've been a victim in a case that's been in court for over four years. In this civil or criminal lawsuit, I'm also a victim. At this point, I honestly envy the perpetrator.
In our country's law, the perpetrator's character is considered just as much as the victim's character. It's nice.
Even the compensation amount... I mean, the contract fees or payments I was supposed to receive, I finally had a chance to earn money, but all the work required facial exposure and makeup, and I can't even apply sunscreen until at least February. I'm just applying ointment like crazy, thinking it's okay to have a medical accident.
The doctor said they would take responsibility and treat me until I recover.
So I explained and calculated the specific damages, incurred amounts, and amounts I couldn't proceed with. I left the mental damage assessment to the doctor. I just wanted to get back the amount I lost and couldn't receive, and I thought going to court wouldn't benefit the clinic either, so it was my last rational consideration. Of course, I explained it specifically because I have evidence to prove it. But they wanted to know the legally appropriate amount, not based on emotions or feelings, so it ended up in a lawsuit. My calculated amount didn't include a single cent for my emotions or feelings. It's a large amount because of the timing of the events, but how do they think I feel about losing that money?
I have to go to another lawsuit before my first trial in life even ends. It doesn't matter; getting a fair legal judgment will make me feel less wronged.
It's just tiring to gather documents, submit evidence, and hire a lawyer again. At first, I thought this doctor was responsible and honest. But since this is a clinic and my burns are more severe than expected, everyone advised me to go to a specialized dermatology clinic. When I told the doctor, their reaction wasn't good, and now I understand why. I also studied dermatology and know most of the costs.
If they treat me, only the cost price is incurred, but if I go to another hospital, the compensation amount they have to pay increases. But if they truly cared about my skin's recovery, shouldn't they have told me to go to a specialized burn hospital? Even the Rejuran injection the doctor was supposed to give me could worsen my condition, so they told me not to touch it. I don't know. I want to believe they're a good doctor. Maybe I'm just sensitive right now. Just put me to sleep.
Reporter Dayeon Jeong, Ten Asia light@tenasia.co.kr