On December 17 (KST), SHINee’s Key got into trouble. He told his fans that he had received treatment from a woman later found to be unlicensed. Online, people call her the “injection aunt.” So he announced he would immediately pause all activities. The next day, Dispatch published a detailed report. They linked the same woman had given treatment to multiple celebrity clients, including Park Na Rae and Key, pushing the SHINee Key controversy 2025 into the spotlight.
The first on-air impact of controversy is Key has gone on hiatus from his regular schedule. He will not be on TVN’s Amazing Saturday, where he was a long-time fixed member.
How the Injection Aunt Scandal Started?
- Early–mid 2025: Korean media reported that a woman nicknamed “injection aunt” allegedly provided illegal medical treatment to various celebrities. It involved IV drips, proxy prescriptions, and house services to stars. Park Na Rae was a prominent name in controversy for receiving treatment outside medical facilities. It raised questions about Medical Service Act violations.
- December 17, 2025: Key admitted the same woman treated him, and that’s why he suspended all his activities. SM Entertainment explained Key was receiving medical treatment from her because he believed she was a licensed doctor. He apologized for the delayed statement.
- December 18, 2025: A report by Dispatch claimed that Park Na Rae, SHINee’s Key, and their Amazing Saturday co-star Haetnim were “regular clients” of that injection aunt. Specifically, they were taking home IV drips and other procedures, allegedly without a valid license.
How Fans Discovered Injection Aunt?
Before Dispatch’s coverage, fans and netizens were already talking. They pointed to photos of Key’s dogs on the woman’s social media. This made people think Key is linked to the practitioner. Old broadcast clips of Key mentioning IV treatments also circulated on social media. Fans are questioning online about what he knew and when.
SM and Key’s Apology after Scandal Escalates
SM Entertainment said Key was introduced to “A” by a friend. He received medical treatment in a hospital setting and at home. Because he believed she was a doctor. After learning she was unlicensed, he paused all schedules at once.
“We sincerely apologize for the delay in releasing a statement due to various communications required regarding his schedule.”
Did Park Na Rae Issue any Apology?
Park Na Rae’s video response was considered vague and focused on legal countermeasures rather than a direct apology.
Fans split over the SHINee Key controvery and injection aunt scandal. Many support the pause and ask for privacy, while some call Key’s response “textbook PR.