Key of SHINee. Courtesy of SM Entertainment
Key of the group SHINee has stated his position regarding the recently surfaced ‘Injection Auntie’ controversy.
On the 17th, SM Entertainment stated, “Key visited a hospital in Gangnam District where Mr. Lee works upon a recommendation from an acquaintance and first came to know him as a doctor. He continued to receive treatment at that hospital and, when visiting the hospital recently was difficult, he received treatment at home on several occasions.”
It continued, “Believing Mr. Lee to be a doctor and with him making no particular remarks to the contrary, we did not think that receiving treatment at home would be problematic,” and added, “With the recent controversy regarding the medical license of Mr. Lee, he realized for the first time that he is not a doctor and is very confused, and he is deeply reflecting on his own lack of awareness.”
It also announced a temporary suspension of activities, saying, “Recognizing the gravity of this matter, Key has decided to step down from his currently scheduled commitments and the programs he appears on.”
Key recently faced allegations of being implicated in the so-called ‘Injection Auntie’ controversy that arose from revelations by the former manager of comedian Park Na-rae. It has been reported that Park Na-rae received illegal medical treatment from Mr. Lee, the ‘Injection Auntie’, such as obtaining antidepressants without a prescription or receiving IV drips. As photos of the pet dog belonging to Key that Mr. Lee posted on social networking services (SNS) drew attention, a possible connection to Key was also suspected. In response, the fandom of MBC ‘I Live Alone’ issued a statement urging Key to state his position.
Amid this, Key ultimately acknowledged his relationship with the ‘Injection Auntie’ and announced a halt to activities, leading to his departure from shows such as tvN ‘Amazing Saturday’ and MBC ‘I Live Alone’. In addition, as he had been slated to serve as MC for the ‘MBC Entertainment Awards’ airing on the 29th, attention is also on the position of MBC regarding whether he will appear.
Below is the full statement from SM Entertainment regarding the controversy over Key
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We would like to address matters related to our artist Key.
First, we sincerely apologize that a prompt statement was difficult, as communication was required with various parties involved in overseas tour schedules and activities.
Key visited a hospital located in Gangnam District where Mr. Lee works upon a recommendation from an acquaintance and first came to know him as a doctor.
Key has since continued to receive treatment at that hospital, and when visiting the hospital recently was difficult, he received treatment at home on several occasions. Believing Mr. Lee to be a doctor and with him making no particular remarks to the contrary, he did not think that receiving treatment at home would be problematic.
Accordingly, with the recent controversy regarding the medical license of Mr. Lee, he realized for the first time that he is not a doctor, is very confused, and is deeply reflecting on his own lack of awareness.
Therefore, recognizing the gravity of this matter, Key has decided to step down from his currently scheduled commitments and the programs in which he appears.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern to everyone, including our fans.
