289 evaluation standards
On-site survey
JCI surveyors come into the clinic in person and check all 289 evaluation standards one by one. Medication management and infection control are verified with their own eyes.
TheLINE
19 Years,
TheLINE History
Liposuction and SVF,
one path all along
TheLINE Plastic Surgery Since 2007
What kind of clinic is TheLINE Plastic Surgery?
Since opening in 2007, we have focused on liposuction and SVF, and nothing else.
- 01
From the beginning, we emphasized the importance of the ‘line’ in liposuction
We talked first about the line that remains, not about how much fat was removed. That is also why the clinic is named ‘TheLINE’.
- 02
From the beginning, we developed SVF liposuction
We began SVF aesthetic surgery research in 2012, started performing SVF liposuction in 2019, and since 2023 every liposuction procedure is performed with fresh SVF.
- 03
From the beginning, we researched the AI that underpins SVF
When we expanded the AI Obesity Treatment Center in 2018, we began using body-type and energy metabolism data in the design of our SVF programs.
- 04
19 years, a record of 80,000 body contouring cases
The 80,000 body contouring cases and 100,000 facial cases accumulated over 19 years since opening in 2007 are the basis for how we plan surgery and manage recovery today.
- 05
A clinic with a research institute inside, Cell Matrix Lab
Our Garosu-gil building houses consultation rooms, treatment and care rooms and operating rooms on floors 4 to 6, and we run our own fresh SVF research institute, Cell Matrix Lab, on the 5th floor.
JCI Accreditation
JCI International Accreditation: what does the survey involve?
We maintained international healthcare accreditation for four years from 2015, passing a survey comparable to that of a university hospital.
1,149 assessment criteria
Operating room review
Operating room workflow and the anesthesia and emergency response systems are reviewed against 1,149 assessment criteria. Medical technology, systems and safety are examined together.
Perfect score in 7 of 14 categories
Interview + docs
After interviews with medical staff and employees and verification of records, we received a perfect score in 7 of the 14 categories and were recognized as a medical institution on par with a university hospital.
Certification & Partner Hospitals
Government certification and university hospital partnerships
We have a system in place that connects us immediately with major university hospitals in Seoul in case of an emergency.
Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution
Designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (No. 재생-1-0141, 21 Aug 2026)
JCI Accreditation
International healthcare accreditation from the Joint Commission International (Dec 2015 - Dec 2018)
ISO 9001
We obtained international quality certification for plastic surgery medical services in 2009.
Ministry of Health and Welfare
We are an official medical institution for international patients designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Gangnam Severance Hospital
An affiliated partner hospital we connect with immediately in an emergency.
Seoul St. Mary's Hospital
An affiliated partner hospital we connect with immediately in an emergency.
Kyung Hee University Medical Center
An affiliated partner hospital we connect with immediately in an emergency.
Global Congress Certificates
A clinic that trains doctors worldwide
Certificates for lectures, presentations and course completion issued by societies in Korea and abroad.
※ Certificates for lectures, presentations and course completion received by Dr. Jaeho Cho and Dr. Yoosuk Chung, Chief Directors, at societies in Korea and abroad.
Academic Activity
Where has TheLINE presented its liposuction work?
Beginning with a paper at an international congress in 2008, we have shared our techniques at societies in Korea and abroad.
Global papers
In 2008 we presented a paper at the 25th International Congress of SFCE (French Society of Aesthetic Surgery), and in 2012 the Tokyo Aesthetic Surgery Conference accepted our paper on liposuction using hidden scar techniques.
Japan lectures
At the 99th annual meeting we lectured on ‘Chanel Line Scarless Liposuction’, and at the 102nd on ‘Thigh Liposuction for Hip Lift Effect’. In 2015 we presented RF-assisted lower facial lipocontouring.
Global lectures
We gave invited lectures on ‘Scarless Full-Body Liposuction’ at ICAMS and on ‘Full-Body Liposuction Without Visible Scars’ at the 22nd Mediterranean Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Conference. We also took part in the Korea-China-Japan aesthetic surgery conference and the Asia Forum of Aesthetic Surgery (AFAS 2023).
Live workshops
At the Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery we presented ‘SILENT SCAR’, PowerJet liposuction and cannula motion, and chaired the body contouring session. We have lectured at the Korean Association of Obesity and Aesthetic Treatment, the Korean Anti-Aging Society and the KOAT congress, and we continue to run TheLINE live workshops for physicians.
Media Coverage
TheLINE's SVF surgery in the media
Specialist columns and news coverage on stem cells and liposuction.
The role of stem cells in liposuction
The column explained that body contouring improvement calls for a plan tailored to each area, treating only the areas that genuinely need it.
Coverage of our JCI accreditation
The press reported that we had passed the JCI accreditation survey, the standard used to evaluate medical institutions around the world.
Contracted nose, a stem cell surgery column
A specialist column on why hardened tissue should be softened first before operating in revision rhinoplasty.
Make-over TV Show
TheLINE with Let Me In
Appointed a Let Me In doctor in 2010, presenting body contouring cases.
DOCTORS SELECTION
Selected as a Let Me In doctor
Selected as a doctor on Let Me In, the makeover TV show that sparked a nationwide plastic surgery trend, we explained liposuction, abdominoplasty and facial surgery cases firsthand.
BODY CONTOURING CASE
Sagging abdomen case
The 10th-season Let Me In ‘sagging belly’ case was treated with liposuction and abdominoplasty. This case was shown on air, and results vary from person to person.
STAGED SURGERY PLAN
Surgery planned in stages
On air we said plainly that staging the surgery was better than forcing everything into one session. Our principle of not recommending excessive surgery is unchanged today.
With Star
The stars who visited TheLINE
A record of actors, singers and sports stars who have visited TheLINE Plastic Surgery.
Actor Baek Il-seob
Basketball player Han Ki-beom
Singer Hwang Chi-yeul
Singer Cho Jang-hyuk
Actor Lee Ji-hoon
Actor Eum Moon-suk
Actor Yoon Kyun-sang
Singer Berry Good
Basketball coach Kim Dong-kwang
Singer Gil Gun
Comedians Han Hyun-min, Lee Jae-hyung and Jung Jin-wook
Singer A-Daily
Actress Seo Hyo-myung
Basketball player Park Chan-sook
Actor Kim Jung-min
Actress Lee Min-young
Actress Gulnaz Zholanova
Models Kirill Kavachenko and Julian Woodhouse
Model Steven
Model Park Jung-wook
Singer December (Lee Yoon-hyuk)
Singer Lee Yoon-min
Singer Ko Eun-byul
Singer Fameus
Actor Oh Seung-yoon
Singer Gamulchi
Singer Victor
Singer Crispi Crunch
Actress and commercial model Choi Ha-yoon
Singer Troy
Actor Cho Jae-yoon
Actress Gil Eun-hye
Actress Jung Min-ji
Actress Moon Ji-young
TV personality Park Hyun-sun
Rapper San E
Comedian Shin Bo-ra
Comedian Kim Jae-wook
Singer Push and Pull
Singer Toxic
Singer Lee Yeon-ju
Singer Lee Min-kyung
Singer Sihyun
Singer Delight
Singer Na Yoon-kwon
Singer Kim Jung-hoon
ESG
ESG · TheLINE's Commitment to Responsible Care
We care for the environment, stand with our community, and practice responsible medicine.
TheLINE Plastic Surgery builds an environmentally mindful clinical space,
stands with those who need help,
and continues responsible medical care grounded in patient safety, clinical quality, and expertise.
Environment
Small changes we practice in our clinical space
Reusable cups
Our waiting room uses washable, reusable cups instead of disposable paper cups.
Certified medical waste disposal
Medical waste is collected and processed by a licensed specialist provider under regulation.
Paperless consultations
Charts, consent forms, and patient information are handled on tablets to reduce paper use.
Social
From reconstruction to giving back — a responsibility TheLINE has kept
TheLINE Plastic Surgery thinks beyond surgical outcomes to the responsibility that follows. At home and abroad, we've shared our medical expertise and resources wherever help was needed.
Hope Rebuilding Campaign
A free reconstructive surgery program for patients left with unsatisfactory results from surgery elsewhere.
Helping Children with Cleft Lip & Palate in Thailand
With Asiana Airlines, we support surgery for children in Thailand born with cleft lip and palate.
Vietnam Eye Surgery — Pro Bono Care
With the NH Nonghyup Foundation, we provided pro bono ptosis (drooping eyelid) surgery for a young girl in Vietnam.
Pink Breast Campaign
With Aram Youth Center, we support the welfare of youth under court-ordered protective custody.
"It's Not Your Fault" Campaign
Ongoing support for the psychological care, rehabilitation, and education of youth under protective custody.
Teddy Bear Giving Campaign
With the Teddy Bear Korea Foundation, we take part in giving activities at home and abroad.
Free Surgery Campaign for Farmers
With the NH Nonghyup Foundation, we support facial, eye, and nose procedures for underserved farming communities.
ESG Sharing Flea Market
Staff donated cosmetics, clothing, tableware, and electronics, and auctioned 5 items including wallets, shoes, and bags. Proceeds were donated to the Miral Welfare Foundation as a year-end giving project to support children with disabilities.
Responsible Care
Our standards for patient safety, clinical quality, research, and expertise
Full certification details are covered in the Certification section above; the complete list of academic activity is available on a dedicated page.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What international accreditations does TheLINE hold?
TheLINE Plastic Surgery held JCI (Joint Commission International) accreditation from 2015 to 2018 and holds ISO 9001 quality management certification. TheLINE is also registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a hospital authorized to treat international patients.
Is TheLINE a government-designated medical institution?
Yes. TheLINE is designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as an institution authorized to perform advanced regenerative medicine, and has been recognized by the Ministry of Science and ICT as a dedicated R&D department. In 2026, TheLINE was appointed as a new medical tourism partner institution of Gangnam-gu.
How much clinical experience does TheLINE's medical staff have?
TheLINE's team of board-certified plastic surgeons and general surgeons has an average of over 31 years of clinical experience.
Has TheLINE's medical staff trained or demonstrated procedures for doctors from other countries?
Yes. TheLINE has conducted live surgery demonstrations in facial and body contouring procedures for medical professionals visiting from abroad.
Does TheLINE support medical outreach for patients abroad?
Yes. TheLINE runs a campaign with Asiana Airlines supporting surgery for children in Thailand born with cleft lip and palate, and has provided pro bono ptosis (drooping eyelid) surgery for a girl in Vietnam together with the NH Nonghyup Foundation.
Does TheLINE also support underserved communities in Korea?
Yes. TheLINE runs a free reconstructive surgery program for patients affected by unsuccessful prior surgery (Hope Rebuilding Campaign), supports the welfare of youth under protective custody (Pink Breast Campaign, "It's Not Your Fault" Campaign), and supports underserved farming communities (Free Surgery Campaign for Farmers).
What emergency response system does TheLINE have in place?
TheLINE partners with Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, and Kyung Hee University Medical Center to ensure immediate coordination in the event of a medical emergency.
TheLINE History 2004 - 2026
TheLINE's 19-year history: what have we built?
A record from the start as (former) EnerMed General Surgery in 2004 to the SVF plastic surgery clinic of today.
-
2004
(Former) EnerMed General Surgery opens
Performing liposuction and calf surgery, we began focusing on body contouring alone.
-
2006
Calf reduction surgery developed and first performed
We developed our own calf reduction technique for the calf muscles and performed it for the first time.
-
2007
Expansion and rebranding as TheLINE Plastic Surgery
We introduced 360° scarless liposuction and Chanel Line liposuction, and published the book “Calf Aesthetics”. The 3D ultrasonic diagnostic system was also introduced at this time.
-
2008
SVF research institute established
We set up an in-house SVF research institute and were selected as calf surgery consultant for MediTV.
-
2009
ISO 9001 international quality certification
We obtained international quality certification (ISO 9001) for plastic surgery medical services.
-
2010
Appointed as a Let Me In doctor
We were appointed as a doctor on the makeover TV show Let Me In and expanded the Body Contouring Center.
-
2011
4-specialty cooperative system launched
We built a cooperative system in which plastic surgery, anesthesiology and pain medicine, general surgery and family medicine specialists see patients together.
-
2012
Relocation and expansion to the Sinsa-dong building
Moving to our own building in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, we built a liposuction revision surgery system and began SVF aesthetic surgery research.
-
2013
Thailand branch established
We opened the TheLINE Plastic Surgery Thailand branch and completed the second expansion of the Body Contouring Center.
-
2015
Named one of the "2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century
Dr. Jaeho Cho, Chief Director, was recognized by Cambridge IBC for his work in liposuction.
-
2015
JCI accreditation earned
We were the only plastic surgery clinic in Korea to hold international healthcare accreditation for four years, from 2015 to 2018.
-
2017
SVF research institute expanded
We increased research equipment and staff to grow the scale of the SVF research institute.
-
2018
Integrative Medicine Center introduced
We introduced the Integrative Medicine Center and expanded the AI Obesity Treatment Center and the SVF Reconstructive Surgery Center alongside it.
-
2019
SVF liposuction procedures begin
We began applying the SVF built up through research directly in liposuction surgery.
-
2021
SVF Center expanded
We enlarged the SVF Center to meet growing demand for SVF surgery and treatment.
-
2023
Recognized as an SVF research and development division
We began performing every liposuction procedure with fresh SVF, and were officially recognized as an SVF research and development division by the Ministry of Science and ICT (No. 2023156102).
-
2026
MOHW-Designated Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution
Designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for meeting all required personnel, facility, and safety standards. No. 재생-1-0141
Directions
T. +82 10 9868 02524-6F, 65 Garosu-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Weekdays
- AM 09:30 ~ PM 18:45
- Saturday
- AM 09:30 ~ PM 17:00
- Sunday & Holidays
- Closed
