(G)I-DLE's Miyeon endoscopy video controversy referred to police

A controversy over alleged illegal medical advertising in a YouTube video featuring (G)I-DLE member Miyeon has been referred to police for investigation.

The Yongsan-gu Public Health Center in Seoul said Wednesday it had asked police to investigate whether the YouTube channel "Jeondosa" had violated medical advertising regulations.

"It was difficult to determine whether the medical institution was involved in the medical advertising that appeared in the YouTube video, or whether any compensation was provided," the health center said in a response to a complaint, adding that it had decided to refer the matter to police.

The health center also issued an administrative order requiring the medical institution featured in the video to immediately stop using the designation "specialized hospital."

The video, posted to the Jeondosa channel on Sept. 1, showed Miyeon undergoing a health checkup and a sleep endoscopy at a medical facility in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Critics noted that the footage exposed the institution's name, medical staff and interior — details that could constitute medical advertising under the Medical Service Act.

A complainant identified only as A filed a petition through the government's public grievance portal on Sept. 7, noting that the facility was classified as a clinic, not a specialized hospital, in official health insurance records. A also asked authorities to verify whether the label "health checkup center — gastroscopy and colonoscopy specialized hospital" was appropriate.

In response, the production team issued a statement the following day saying it had not been commissioned to produce advertising or promotional content for the medical institution and had received no monetary compensation or financial support of any kind. The team added that it had paid for the checkup and medical services out of pocket.

Even after the statement and subsequent edits, critics pointed out that the video still showed the facility's name, endoscopy pricing and the names of affiliated medical institutions without any masking.

Under Article 56 of the current Medical Service Act, medical advertising by anyone other than the operator, head or a licensed practitioner of a medical institution is prohibited. Even when a licensed practitioner advertises, content that exposes direct medical procedures — such as surgical scenes — is banned. Violations can carry a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won ($7,310).