The K-pop world is still reeling from the controversy surrounding an unlicensed medical practitioner, known as the “injection auntie”. South Korean TV personality Park Narae (박나래) was among the celebrities implicated, accused of obtaining illegal medical prescriptions from the unlicensed doctor, among other allegations.
SHINee members Onew (온유) and Key (키) were also named in connection with the scandal. Onew stepped forward to deny any involvement, while Key remained silent despite fans demanding an explanation. He has now taken to social media to address the situation.
For context, SHINee member Key was accused of having close ties with the so-called “injection auntie” and of allegedly receiving illegal medical treatment at home from an unlicensed doctor. Yesterday (Wednesday, 17th December), both Key and his agency, SM Entertainment, issued statements regarding his connection to the scandal. The company began by apologising for the delay in their statement, explaining that they needed to coordinate with various parties involved in Key’s world tour schedule and solo activities.
“On an acquaintance’s recommendation, Key visited a hospital in Gangnam, where Ms Lee works and was initially introduced to her as a doctor. He continued to receive treatment at that hospital and, on several recent occasions when visiting the hospital was difficult, received medical care at home. Believing Ms Lee to be a physician — and with no indication to the contrary — Key did not realise that receiving care at home could be problematic,” the statement read.
SM Entertainment added that the singer only became aware of the doctor’s lack of a licence when the controversy emerged. “He is extremely confused and is deeply reflecting on his own lack of awareness. Recognising the gravity of this matter, Key has decided to withdraw from his currently scheduled activities and step down from the programmes in which he is appearing,” the agency said.
Key took to his Instagram page to apologise to fans for causing concerns with the scandal. “I apologise for not being able to quickly organise my thoughts and clarify what I will do moving forward. 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,” he wrote.
Shortly after the statements were released, fans came to Key’s defence, arguing that he had nothing to apologise for, as he was a victim of the unlicensed doctor’s deception. Many noted that Key had no reason to doubt someone’s credentials, particularly when the individual had been recommended by acquaintances. Others said that the star should not have withdrawn from his upcoming activities and appearances since he has done nothing wrong.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Was Key right to step away for a while?
