On December 17 (KST), SHINee’s Key acknowledged he had received treatment from a woman later found to be unlicensed, known online as the “injection aunt.” He announced an immediate pause of all activities. The next day, Dispatch published a detailed report linking the same woman to multiple celebrity clients, including Park Na Rae and Key, pushing the SHINee Key controversy 2025 into the spotlight.
The first on-air impact is variety. Key has gone on hiatus from his regular schedules, most notably tvN’s Amazing Saturday, where he was a long-time fixed member.
How we got here
- Early–mid 2025: Korean media reported that a woman nicknamed “injection aunt” allegedly provided illegal medical services—IV drips, proxy prescriptions, and house calls—to celebrities. Park Na Rae was named in coverage for receiving treatment outside medical facilities, raising questions about Medical Service Act violations.
- December 17, 2025: Key admitted he had been treated by the same woman and suspended activities. SM Entertainment said he believed she was a licensed doctor when introduced by an acquaintance, and apologized for the delayed statement [CNA].
- December 18, 2025: Dispatch reported that Park Na Rae, SHINee’s Key, and their Amazing Saturday co-star Haetnim were “regular clients,” describing home IV drips and other procedures allegedly performed without a valid license [allkpop/Dispatch].
Receipts that pulled Key into the story
Before Dispatch’s piece, fans and netizens pointed to photos of Key’s dogs on the woman’s social media, which appeared to link him to the practitioner. Old broadcast clips of Key casually mentioning IV treatments also resurfaced on short-form platforms, adding fuel to online debate about what he knew and when .
SM and Key’s response, in brief
SM Entertainment said Key was introduced to “A” by an acquaintance. He received treatment in a hospital setting and at home while believing she was a doctor. After learning she was unlicensed, he halted all schedules at once.
“We sincerely apologize for the delay in releasing a statement due to various communications required regarding his schedule.”
Coverage has compared Key’s swift apology and hiatus with Park Na Rae’s video response, which many viewers criticized as vague and focused on legal countermeasures rather than a direct apology [Koreaboo].
Why this matters
This is about more than one star. The case touches public trust in medical safety and whether celebrities are receiving treatment outside licensed facilities.
For TV, the ripple hits a flagship variety program—Amazing Saturday. A fixed member’s hiatus can affect cast chemistry, guest planning, and episode edits. It also revives a broader conversation about accountability across the industry.
Reaction check
- Fans: Mixed. Many support the pause and ask for privacy; others want a clearer timeline and details.
- Netizens/general public: Some called Key’s response “textbook PR.” Others questioned whether he truly did not know the practitioner was unlicensed. Resurfaced IV clips fueled skepticism.
- Media commentary: Comparisons between Key’s prompt apology and Park Na Rae’s more defensive video shaped online sentiment [Koreaboo].
Legal and industry snapshot
Police are investigating the so-called “fake doctor” for alleged illegal medical practice. As of the latest reports, celebrities named in coverage—including Key—are treated as possible witnesses or related parties. Key has not been publicly charged [CNA], [allkpop/Dispatch].
Broadcast-wise, Amazing Saturday and other shows will likely adjust lineups and use pre-recorded buffers or guest rotations. Endorsement and contract reviews may follow if the controversy widens, but those decisions often wait on police updates.
What to watch next
- Police updates on whether Key will be summoned for questioning.
- Any SM Entertainment follow-up—clearer timelines, medical documentation, or a return plan once the SHINee Key controversy 2025 cools.
- Amazing Saturday announcements on cast tweaks, pre-recorded episode credits, and how the show addresses Key’s hiatus on-air.
Quick facts
- Activity suspension: December 17, 2025 (KST) [CNA]
- Dispatch report: December 18, 2025, outlining home IVs and at-home procedures; names included Park Na Rae, Key, and Haetnim [allkpop/Dispatch]
- Legal status now: Practitioner under investigation; Key not publicly charged as of latest reports.
- Trending terms: “injection aunt,” “Park Na Rae,” “Key Amazing Saturday exit,” “Key illegal medical treatment.”
