SHINee’s Key breaks silence on medical treatment controversy, denies knowledge of practitioner’s lack of license

Key explained that he had sought treatment believing Lee to be a licensed medical professional and expressed deep regret over his lack of awareness regarding her credentials.

SHINee’s Key has finally addressed the controversy surrounding alleged illegal medical procedures linked to a woman referred to as the ‘injection aunt,’ who has been accused of practicing medicine without a license.

On Wednesday, SM Entertainment, Key’s agency, issued an official statement concerning the allegations involving the woman, identified only as Lee.

The agency also offered an apology for the delay in responding, stating, “Due to the need to communicate with various parties related to overseas tour schedules and activities, it was difficult to issue a prompt statement, and we sincerely apologize for that.”

Key explained that he had sought treatment believing Lee to be a licensed medical professional and expressed deep regret over his lack of awareness regarding her credentials.

According to SM Entertainment, Key was initially introduced to Lee through an acquaintance and met her at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam District, under the assumption that she was a doctor.

The agency added, “Key continued to receive treatment at the hospital, and in recent situations where visiting the hospital was difficult, he received treatment at home on several occasions."

The statement emphasized that Key had no knowledge that Lee lacked a medical license. “He believed Lee was a doctor, and as there was no indication otherwise, he did not think receiving treatment at home would be an issue,” the agency clarified.

SM Entertainment also noted that Key had only recently become aware of the controversy surrounding Lee’s medical license and was extremely confused, adding that he was deeply reflecting on his own ignorance.

Also read: SHINee’s Key faces mounting criticism over silence amid ‘injection auntie’ controversy

In response to the seriousness of the issue, Key has chosen to voluntarily step down from his scheduled activities and program appearances.

Key personally addressed the controversy on social media the same day, stating, “I sincerely apologize for causing many people concern with various stories related to me recently. I was also confused and taken aback by newly learned facts, and I am sorry that I could not organize my position and share how I would move forward more quickly.”