"I Was Indeed a Professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University," She Reiterates
The so-called "Drunken Aunt" scandal, which began with a revelation from broadcaster Park Narae's manager, continues to shake the entertainment industry day after day. In the midst of this, the ambiguous profile message posted by "Drunken Aunt" herself has become a subject of controversy.
On December 18, following SHINee's Key, YouTuber Ipjjalheun Haetnim also admitted to having received home medical treatment from Ms. A, known as "Drunken Aunt," and announced a suspension of activities. Both Key and Ipjjalheun Haetnim stated that they visited a hospital in Gangnam District through an acquaintance's introduction and believed Ms. A to be a doctor.
From the left, broadcaster Park Narae, Mr A known as 'Drunken Auntie,' and SHINee's Key. ENP Company, Mr A's Instagram, Yonhap News Agency
In response, "Drunken Aunt" reiterated her position through her social media profile message. She wrote, "It is true that I was a professor at Inner Mongolia Medical University from 2014 to 2019," and added, "I simply couldn't go to Inner Mongolia after 2019 due to COVID-19, and I struggled with the economic difficulties brought on by the pandemic. I was also informed late that in July 2021, the university changed its name to 'University of Science and Technology.'" She continued to assert her credentials as a medical professional.
This is seen as a rebuttal to a previous statement by the group "Doctors for a Fair Society" on December 7, which said, "The medical school that Park Narae's 'Drunken Aunt' attended, Pokang Medical College, is a ghost university. Pokang Medical College does not exist." Ms. A had previously claimed, "12 to 13 years ago, I studied hard while traveling back and forth to a place called Inner Mongolia, and I became the youngest professor, the first among both locals and foreigners, at Inner Mongolia Pokang Medical University Hospital."
Anger at the "I Thought She Was a Doctor" Stance?..."So I'm the Only XXX"
Additionally, Ms. A's new social media profile includes a cryptic message: "I warned not to get close to those who put on a mask. I said they were my beloved younger friends whom I trusted and cherished, but it turns out I'm the only XXX." Some speculate that this reflects her sense of betrayal, as Park Narae, Key, Onew, and Ipjjalheun Haetnim-all involved in the "Drunken Aunt" controversy-have claimed, "We thought Ms. A was a doctor," thereby shifting the responsibility onto her.
Ipjjalheun Haetnim Also Suspends Activities Amid "Drunken Aunt" Fallout..."I Trusted She Was a Doctor and Received Treatment"
On December 18, Dispatch reported allegations that Ms. A had prescribed diet pills and administered IV drips to Ipjjalheun Haetnim, engaging in illegal medical procedures. It was also claimed that Ipjjalheun Haetnim acted as an intermediary, delivering pharmaceuticals to Park Narae's manager. According to messages released that day, Ms. A told Park Narae's manager, "Haetnim lost 30 kg by taking my medicine," emphasizing the effectiveness of her diet treatment.
In response, Ipjjalheun Haetnim explained, "I first met Ms. A at a hospital in Gangnam District, so I had no reason to doubt that she was a doctor and received treatment from her." Ipjjalheun Haetnim added, "I am reflecting on the current controversy and allegations, and if there is anything I did wrong, I will acknowledge it. I will not make excuses or avoid responsibility," announcing a suspension of activities.
Meanwhile, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has received a complaint requesting an investigation into the hospital in Gangnam District, Seoul-where Ms. A was known to have worked-on suspicions of violating the Medical Service Act and the Special Act on the Control of Health Crimes. The case has been assigned to an investigative team and is currently under investigation.
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