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On December 17, SHINee’s Key broke his silence and announced a halt to all scheduled appearances following allegations tied to illegal medical treatments, a move that has sparked strong fan backlash. The K-pop idol released a personal apology after SM Entertainment addressed reports linking him to a woman accused of practicing medicine without a license.
“I was also confused and taken aback by the newly revealed facts, and I am sorry for failing to clarify my position and outline future steps more swiftly,” Key stated in his statement (quoted via The Chosun).Key expressed regret toward fans who trusted him and said he would cooperate fully while taking time for self-reflection. The controversy centers on a woman identified as Lee, often called the “injection aunt,” who is under scrutiny for allegedly performing medical procedures illegally.
SM Entertainment confirmed that the SHINee artist received treatment from her, but stressed that he believed she was a licensed doctor. Speculation intensified after photos of a dog resembling Key’s pet and alleged message exchanges surfaced on Lee’s Instagram account. These posts fueled rumors that Key knowingly received illegal services. Fans, however, have rallied behind him.
"If he first met this woman at a hospital would it not be correct to assume that she has her license like why is he the one having to put out an apology and step down from activities when he's the victim," an X user commented.if he first met this woman at a hospital would it not be correct to assume that she has her license like why is he the one having to put out an apology and step down from activities when he's the victim
Many argue that meeting Lee inside a hospital would reasonably lead anyone to assume she was properly licensed.
How on earth is a patient expected to take responsibility for a hired "doctor" who is employed by a healthcare facility? I’m stunned and heartbroken watching this unfold. It feels deeply unjust that victims of malpractice are the ones who end up paying the price.
Why does Key have to apologize? When you go to a hospital, you assume that only legal doctors work there. When doctors come to your home, same! Are victims of fraud punished in South Korea? Seriously? That's insane. I'm shocked at how innocent people are treated. Poor Kibum.
The public who asked for this needs to get off their high horse. When I go to a doctor’s office, I don’t look for their license, specially if they are on a hospital. Don’t ask of someone, something you yourself wouldn’t do. If this was done to you, would you quit your job?
Supporters question why the SHINee star is apologizing and stepping down when he sought treatment as a patient.
I’m so worried for key right now but the only thing we can do as fans is send our support over to him as much as we can he shouldn’t even have to apologize for being a victim this is so wrong.
Key, you've been working so hard... you shouldn't have had to apologize for what happened, you're a victim too and what's happening to you is so unfair. We love you and we support you :( <3#AlwaysWithKey
Key hasn't done anything wrong. He's a victim of a con artist. Stuff like this happens in the UK too. Plus, some people knowingly go to someone dodgy because they can't afford a treatment, there is a waiting list etc. & they are still not to blame. #SHINee #Kpop
SM Entertainment previosuly clarified SHINee Key’s case as schedules halted
SM Entertainment's SHINee’s Key (Image via Instagram/@bumkeyk, X/@SMTOWNGLOBAL)SM Entertainment issued a detailed clarification on December 17 addressing the situation involving Key. The agency opened by apologizing for the delayed response, explaining it needed time to coordinate with parties linked to his global tour and ongoing schedules.
SM stated that Key visited a Gangnam hospital on a recommendation from an acquaintance, where he was introduced to Ms. Lee as a doctor. He continued receiving treatment at that hospital. When hospital visits became difficult, some care was provided at home. SM said Key believed Ms. Lee was a licensed physician, as she never suggested otherwise, and he did not think home treatment posed a problem.
The agency confirmed that Key only recently learned Ms. Lee lacked a medical license amid the growing controversy. It added that he is deeply shaken and reflecting on his lack of awareness. Acknowledging the seriousness of the issue, SM said Key chose to step back from scheduled activities and program appearances. The company ended by apologizing again to fans and the public for the concern caused.
As a result of the controversy, Key has stepped back from all activities. The South Korean performer has been a familiar presence on tvN’s Amazing Saturday and MBC’s I Live Alone in recent years. However, he has withdrawn from his scheduled role as a co-host for the MBC Entertainment Awards, set to take place on December 29.
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Edited by Shreya Jha
English (US)