Key of SHINee has released an official statement addressing rumors surrounding his connection to a woman known online as the “Injection Aunt.” On December 17, his agency, SM Entertainment, confirmed that the SHINee member has decided to step back from his activities following the controversy.
SM Entertainment first apologized for the delay in responding, explaining that it took time to coordinate due to overseas tour schedules and ongoing activities. The agency then clarified how Key came to know the woman, identified as Ms. Lee.
According to the statement,
Key first came to know Ms. Lee as a doctor after visiting a hospital located in Gangnam-gu where she works, upon the recommendation of an acquaintance. Since then, Key has continued to receive treatment at that hospital, and on several occasions when it was difficult for him to visit the hospital, he received treatment at his home.
At the time, Key believed Ms. Lee to be a licensed doctor, and as she made no mention otherwise, he did not consider receiving treatment at home to be problematic.
SM Entertainment added that he only realized for the first time that Ms. Lee was not actually a doctor after the recent controversy surrounding her medical license became public.
Recently, however, upon learning for the first time through the controversy surrounding Ms. Lee’s medical license that she is not actually a doctor, Key has been extremely confused and is deeply reflecting on his own ignorance.
As the issue escalated, the 34-year-old idol acknowledged the seriousness of the situation,
Therefore, recognizing the seriousness of this matter, Key has decided to step down from his currently scheduled activities and the programs in which he is appearing.
The controversy first began with allegations involving comedian Park Na Rae. She was accused of receiving illegal medical services, including intravenous fluid injections and proxy prescriptions, from the same woman known as the “Injection Aunt.” Ms. Lee later admitted she did not have a medical license, although she did not clearly confirm her relationships with those involved.
Speculation around Key intensified after past social media posts from Ms. Lee resurfaced. One post showed a dog that appeared to be Key’s pet, along with a message suggesting a visit to her home. As these posts spread online, public curiosity and criticism quickly grew.
Following the fallout, he has stepped down from several major commitments. He will no longer appear on the reality show I Live Alone or the variety program Amazing Saturday. He has also withdrawn as a host for the upcoming 2025 MBC Entertainment Awards, which will go ahead with the remaining MCs.
The legal implications surrounding the case are also serious. Under South Korean law, practicing medicine without a license can result in up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won. A formal complaint has reportedly been filed with the Gangnam Police Precinct regarding possible violations of the Medical Service Act.