From left, SHINee member Onew, broadcaster Park Na-rae, and Mr. A identified as the ‘injection auntie’. Instagram capture and Kyunghyang Shinmun file photos

Police are looking into the hospital where SHINee member Onew received medical treatment from Park Na-rae’s ‘injection auntie’.

The Gangnam Police Station in Seoul confirmed on the 12th that it had received a complaint requesting an investigation into a hospital located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Onew is said to have received unlicensed medical treatment from Mr. A, identified as Park Na-rae’s ‘injection auntie’, on suspicions including violations of the Medical Service Act and the Special Act on the Control of Health Crimes; the case has been assigned to an investigative team and a probe has begun.

Those reported include Mr. A; the founder, hospital director, or de facto operator of the Sinsa-dong hospital where Onew received skin care; and unnamed medical staff who ordered or abetted Mr. A’s medical acts.

The complaint filed that day stated, “According to positions disclosed to date, Onew appears to have undergone the procedure without knowing at the time that the injection auntie was not a medical professional under the domestic Medical Service Act, and Onew is being recognized first as a potential victim of unlicensed medical practice and as a witness.”

It also said, “Onew’s ultimate procedural status (victim⋅witness or suspect) falls within the investigative agency’s exclusive authority and discretion, so we ask the agency to closely investigate the facts and make a determination based on objective criteria.” The intent is to have Onew called as a witness as well to investigate Mr. A’s illegal medical acts.

After Park Na-rae’s former manager exposed Mr. A’s illegal medical acts, Onew also became embroiled and faced difficulties, as indications emerged on Mr. A’s social networking service (SNS) that Onew had expressed thanks to him. In relation to this, public calls for Onew’s explanation continued, and on the 11th his agency issued a statement.

Griffin Entertainment said that day, “In April 2022, through a recommendation from an acquaintance, he first visited a hospital in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Mr. A worked,” adding, “Given the hospital’s size and circumstances at the time, it was an environment in which it was difficult to perceive the licensing controversy now being raised online.”

It also said, “Onew’s purpose for the visit was skin care, and the signed CD that became a topic online was simply delivered as an expression of gratitude for the treatment.”

In addition, police are currently investigating another complaint seeking punishment of Park Na-rae and Mr. A, Park’s former managers, and unidentified medical professionals and pharmacists for violations of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropics), the Medical Service Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, the Waste Management Act, and the Special Act on the Control of Health Crimes.

They have also received a civil petition requesting an emergency ban on Mr. A’s departure from the country and are reviewing it.

Attorney Jeong Tae-won of Law Firm LKB Pyeongsan said, “The core of this case is not only Onew’s position but also the legal responsibility of the hospital and related parties including Mr. A,” adding, “If the hospital did not comply with the Medical Service Act and Mr. A performed unlicensed medical acts, the hospital and Mr. A may also bear responsibility.”

He also said, “There is a high possibility that Onew will be questioned as a witness, and legal responsibility will be determined based on the results of the investigation,” adding, “This case is considered an important example that clarifies the legal issues caused by unlicensed medical practice and the corresponding responsibility. Through this, there is a need to present strict application of the Medical Service Act and raise preventive awareness.”