(From left) Key of SHINee, Park Na-rae, MC Mong. SHINee Instagram account, Npark, Yonhap News

The fallout from the controversy surrounding comedian Park Na-rae continues.

Although she has announced a suspension of activities following the controversy, side issues have spread, from suspicions implicating fellow entertainers to third-party remarks, keeping it a hot topic.

The controversy around Park Na-rae, which began with revelations by former managers about abuse of power, has expanded into suspicions of violating the Medical Service Act in connection with the so-called ‘Injection Auntie’. In connection with this, singer Key, who has long appeared on MBC variety show ‘I Live Alone’ with Park Na-rae, is also suffering amid rumors of involvement.

While Park Na-rae has announced her exit from the program, fans of ‘I Live Alone’ continue to demand an official statement from Key. These fans said, “Key is scheduled to serve as MC for the MBC Entertainment Awards this year, an important stage that closes out the year,” adding, “At such an event, we cannot help but ask whether passing by without any mention of the recent situation is a responsible attitude toward viewers, the program, and the colleagues who share the stage.”

Key appearing on MBC ‘I Live Alone’ aired on the 12th. Broadcast screen capture

‘I Live Alone’ is a long-running program that has been on the air for more than 10 years and remains one of MBC flagship variety shows. In particular, with founding member Jun Hyun-moo joined by Park Na-rae, Kian84, Key, Code Kunst, and Kim Dae-ho in the fixed cast lineup, the show had been in its prime.

However, following the departure of key member Park Na-rae and with Key also being drawn into controversy, attention is focused on the paths of Key and the program. On the episode aired on the 12th, he appeared without edits, and on the 14th Key likewise offered no official response, instead sharing scenes from his tour in the United States and continuing with everyday updates.

A supportive post by MC Mong also fanned the flames around the controversies involving Park Na-rae and Cho Se-ho. Earlier, Cho Se-ho had announced his exit and a temporary suspension of activities due to rumors of links to organized crime. On the 14th, MC Mong wrote on his social networking service (SNS), “Public officials even go back to work the next day after causing trouble and simply get scolded, so by what right do people try to strip someone of a job?” referring to the controversies involving the two.

A photo posted together with a supportive message by MC Mong about Park Na-rae and Cho Se-ho. MC Mong Instagram account

He then advised Park Na-rae, “Reach a sincere settlement with the managers. Whether there is something to apologize for or something you feel is unfair, it is already too late. It looks like a lawsuit in the hundreds of millions of won is already underway, and if there is a violation of the Medical Service Act, then receive the punishment.”

He also encouraged, “It is a difficult year-end for everyone, and people are not so idle as to hate Park Na-rae and Cho Se-ho. Do not hide; if there is something to be scolded for, be scolded, and later, do not hide forever like me and make people laugh even more,” adding, “The entertainment industry sure lacks loyalty.”

However, as online debate over the post continued, MC Mong eventually deleted it. Even so, he still signaled support, saying, “I do not intend to bait for attention,” and “I write like graffiti in hopes that someone will not make the mistakes I made, or to say do not be too afraid.”