SHINee’s Key issues apology, steps back from activities amid 'injection aunt' controversy

Key and SM Entertainment have spoken out after allegations linked the SHINee member to unlicensed medical treatments

SHINee’s Key has issued a public apology and announced his withdrawal from all scheduled programmes following allegations linking him to South Korea’s so-called “injection aunt” controversy, a scandal centred on unlicensed medical treatments involving celebrities.

The controversy first emerged around comedian Park Na Rae, who was accused of receiving illegal medical services, including IV drips and proxy prescriptions for prescription drugs, from a woman identified as Ms. Lee.

The Korean Medical Association later described the alleged procedures as “clear unlicensed medical treatment in violation of the Medical Service Act” and called for an investigation. The situation intensified after images and social media posts connected other public figures to Ms. Lee.

Key became involved in the rumours after a photo of a dog resembling his pet and messages allegedly exchanged with him were discovered on Ms. Lee’s Instagram account. Speculation grew that he may also have received illegal medical services, prompting SM Entertainment to release an official statement on December 17.

Greetings from SM Entertainment.

Regarding our artist Key:

First, we sincerely apologize for the delay in our response, as we needed to communicate with various stakeholders related to overseas tour schedules and activities.

Key first met Ms. Lee through a personal recommendation and visited a hospital in Gangnam District where she worked, initially learning of her as a doctor.

Key continued to receive treatment at the hospital and, in recent cases where visiting the hospital was difficult, received treatment at home a few times. This was based on the understanding that Ms. Lee was a doctor, and since she made no mention otherwise, Key did not anticipate any issues with receiving treatment at home.

Upon learning through the recent controversy over Ms. Lee’s medical license that she was not a doctor, Key was deeply confused and has since reflected on this lack of awareness.

Recognizing the severity of the matter, Key has decided to withdraw from all scheduled activities and ongoing programs.

Once again, we sincerely apologize to all fans and the public for causing concern.

In his personal apology, Key said, “I sincerely apologize for causing many people concern with the various issues related to me recently.” He added, “I feel incredibly sorry and ashamed toward the many people who trusted and supported me.”

Hello, this is Key.

I sincerely apologize for causing many people concern with the various issues related to me recently.

I, too, was confused and flustered by the newly revealed facts, and I apologize for not being able to quickly organize my thoughts and clarify what I will do moving forward sooner.

I had always prided myself on being able to distance myself from such issues, but I feel incredibly sorry and ashamed toward the many people who trusted and supported me as I believe that thought is what prevented me from looking around my surroundings more wisely.

I will diligently do everything I can regarding this matter. I will once again take time to reflect on myself and my surroundings.

Once again, I am truly sorry.