“I believed she was a doctor.” With that explanation, SHINee’s Key moved from speculation to admission — and has now paused all activities amid the SHINee Key controversy 2025. On Dec 17, he acknowledged receiving at-home treatments from the woman dubbed the “injection aunt,” and announced he would step down from tvN’s Amazing Saturday and MBC’s I Live Alone while he reflects.
His agency SM Entertainment and Key issued statements the same day, detailing how he met the woman, why he trusted her, and why the response was delayed. The statements landed as police continued probing broader allegations tied to comedian Park Na-rae and a reported unlicensed provider operating outside medical facilities.
“He believed Lee was a doctor, and as there was no indication otherwise.”
— SM’s position as reported on Dec 17
Quick timeline: Dec 8–19
- Dec 8: Key does not attend an I Live Alone studio recording, with the reason cited as his U.S. solo tour schedule (LA, Oakland, Chicago). Around this time, netizens flag photos of his dogs on the provider’s social media, fueling questions about a connection. [Korea JoongAng Daily]
- Early–mid Dec: Online speculation grows about whether he received injections or IVs from the same person linked to Park Na-rae. SM does not immediately comment. [Korea Times]
- Dec 17: SM confirms Key was treated by the woman at a hospital and later at home; says he thought she was licensed. Key posts an apology and says he will suspend activities, including stepping down from Amazing Saturday and I Live Alone. [CNA Lifestyle] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
- Dec 18: Dispatch-based reports say the woman has no medical qualifications and previously worked in plastic surgery sales; police are investigating alleged violations of the Medical Service Act and Narcotics Control Act. [Koreaboo]
- Dec 19: Coverage continues to frame the case within a larger industry discussion on unregulated medical services and ethics; police inquiries into the provider and Park Na-rae remain ongoing. [Chosun Ilbo English]
What SM and Key said
SM Entertainment’s statement (Dec 17)
SM said Key met the woman, identified as Ms. Lee, through an acquaintance at a hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam District and “initially knew her as a doctor.” He received treatment there first, then “home treatments several times” when visits became difficult. The company emphasized there had been “no indication otherwise” about her status and said Key only recently learned she was allegedly unlicensed. Recognizing the seriousness, SM said he would withdraw from current schedules and reflect. [Korea Times] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
SM also apologized for the delayed response, citing coordination across his overseas tour and schedules before speaking publicly. [Korea JoongAng Daily]
Key’s apology (Dec 17)
Key wrote that he was “sorry for causing concern to many people,” and said he was confused by newly learned facts. He apologized for taking time to organize his thoughts, said he feels “ashamed,” and pledged to do whatever is in his power regarding the issue. [CNA Lifestyle] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
Who is the “injection aunt” and why it matters
Reports identify the woman (often called “A” or Ms. Lee) as an alleged unlicensed provider connected to Park Na-rae. A whistleblower told Dispatch she holds a cooking license and worked in plastic surgery clinic sales, not medicine. She is accused of giving injections and dispensing prescription-only drugs in non-medical locations, which are under police review for potential violations of the Medical Service Act and Narcotics Control Act. [Koreaboo]
The case has sparked wider debate about how celebrity health services are vetted, agency safeguards, and compliance risk when care is provided off-site. It also sits alongside the Park Na-rae doctor controversy, which is still under investigation.
What’s paused right now
- tvN’s Amazing Saturday: Key, a fixed cast member, is stepping down following his admission and statement. [CNA Lifestyle]
- MBC’s I Live Alone: He is suspending appearances; he had already missed a Dec 8 studio taping due to his U.S. tour schedule. [Korea JoongAng Daily]
- All activities: SM says he will suspend all current schedules in light of the situation. [Chosun Ilbo English]
Reactions at a glance
- Fans and netizens: Opinions are split. Some question how repeated home visits happened without verifying credentials and criticize the delayed response; others ask for patience until investigations conclude. [Korea Times]
- Industry voices: The Korea Entertainment Management Association condemned illegal medical practices and called for better workplace protections, referencing Park Na-rae’s case in the same news cycle. [Korea JoongAng Daily]
- Media framing: Outlets highlight SM’s explanation and Key’s apology while underscoring that legal determinations will come from ongoing police and prosecutorial investigations. [Chosun Ilbo English]
Why this is trending — and what to watch next
The Key injection aunt scandal intersects celebrity health, agency oversight, and broadcast standards. For fans, it affects immediate schedules and long-running variety roles; for the industry, it raises questions about how off-site treatments are vetted and documented.
- Legal updates: Watch for police findings on alleged violations involving the provider and Park Na-rae.
- Agency notes: Any SM Entertainment statement about internal checks, schedule changes, or cooperation with authorities.
- Broadcast moves: tvN and MBC announcements on edits, temporary replacements, or timeline for cast adjustments related to Key on Amazing Saturday and I Live Alone.
For now, SM’s stance is that Key believed the woman was a licensed doctor, he has acknowledged receiving at-home treatments, and he is suspending all activities while reflecting and cooperating as needed. [CNA Lifestyle] [Korea JoongAng Daily]
