SHINee member Key has finally admitted and apologized for receiving illegal medical treatments from the person known as Park Na Rae’s “Injection Aunt,” 11 days after the controversy first emerged.
On December 17, Key’s agency SM Entertainment released an official statement explaining the situation. They revealed that Key visited a hospital in Gangnam-gu following a friend’s recommendation and initially believed Mr. Lee, the person providing treatments, was a licensed doctor.
Key continued treatments at the hospital and, when visits were difficult, received a few sessions at home.
The agency added, “Key thought Mr. Lee was a doctor, and since there was no information suggesting otherwise, he did not think receiving treatments at home would be a problem. Key only recently learned that Mr. Lee is unlicensed and is very confused. He is deeply reflecting on his ignorance.”
Key had previously faced suspicion for a close personal relationship with Mr. Lee, who had posted pictures of Key’s dog visiting his home. Reports also mentioned Key attending Mr. Lee’s child’s first birthday, giving luxury gifts, and maintaining a friendship over 10 years.
Despite rising demands for clarification, Key and his agency remained silent for over ten days. During this period, Key’s social media accounts stayed active. SHINee’s official account shared selfies from their U.S. tour from December 3 to 15, along with photos of Key attending fan sign events and meeting U.S. DJ JoJo Wright.
After completing his official schedules, Key addressed the issue directly, stating, “I was confused and surprised by the new facts. I am sorry I could not quickly share my position and explain what I will do next.”
Even after the apology, public opinion remains mixed, with some fans pointing to Key’s previous statements from September on the YouTube channel Studio Suje’s Kanjalhan Ip: “Let’s protect what we should and not only disappoint people. Let’s stay out of trouble and only appear in the news for good reasons.”
Critics also questioned how Key’s mother, a nurse at a university hospital, did not know about the unlicensed treatments.
As a result of the controversy, Key will step down from variety shows such as MBC’s Home Alone and tvN’s Amazing Saturday and will temporarily pause all activities.
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