SHINee's Key Announces Suspension of Activities: "I Thought 'Injection Aunt' Was a Doctor... Received Treatment at Home"

"I thought she was a doctor... Received treatment at the hospital several times"
"Deeply reflecting on my ignorance"... Also stepping down from programs

SHINee Key. Key Instagram

Key, a member of the group SHINee, has announced a suspension of activities following rumors of a close relationship with the so-called "Injection Aunt," who is accused of performing illegal medical procedures on broadcaster Park Narae.

On December 17, SM Entertainment stated, "Key visited a hospital in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, where Ms. Lee works, based on a friend's recommendation and initially believed her to be a doctor." The agency continued, "Key continued to receive treatment at the hospital, and when it became difficult to visit, he received medical care at home on several occasions." This is an acknowledgment that he received illegal treatment outside of a medical institution.

However, the agency emphasized that Key believed Ms. Lee was a licensed doctor. As a result, he did not perceive receiving treatment at home as problematic. SM Entertainment added, "Key only recently became aware, due to the controversy over Ms. Lee's medical license, that she is not a doctor. He is extremely confused and is deeply reflecting on his ignorance."

The agency also announced that Key will suspend his broadcasting activities. SM Entertainment stated, "Recognizing the seriousness of this matter, Key has decided to withdraw from all scheduled activities and programs in which he is currently appearing."

The controversy arose when Ms. Lee, known as "Injection Aunt," posted a video of a brown poodle on her social media account, writing, "Comme Des, what's wrong with you? It's been over 10 years, why do you still glare at me? Garcon doesn't do that, so why do you?" Comme Des and Garcon are the names of Key's pet dogs. It was also pointed out that the interior of the house in the video closely resembles Key's home, as previously revealed on the MBC variety show "I Live Alone."

Key had previously received requests from fans to clarify his relationship with Ms. Lee but had not made an official statement. From December 3 to 15, he held his fourth solo tour, "2025 Keyland: Uncanny Valley," and recently missed recordings for both tvN's "Amazing Saturday," which he appears on with Park Narae, and MBC's "I Live Alone."