In a self-acknowledged delayed step forward, K-pop idol and SHINee member Key’s agency, SM Entertainment, has finally broken silence after the artist’s name was embroiled in an industry controversy. Even the South Korean singer himself, whose real name is Kim Ki Bum, has formally addressed the issue in a social media post.
As per the new development, the South Korean entertainment label has announced that Key will be stepping down from all scheduled appearances across programs. This comes after K-celeb and comedian Park Na Rae was accused of receiving medical services from an individual dubbed the “injection auntie” or Ms Lee, who is, in turn, believed to be practicing without a license.
Shortly after allegations surrounding Park were reported by K-media, SHINee’s Key was also dragged into the controversy. However, he maintains that he only received treatment from the controversial doctor thinking that she was licensed.
SHINee’s Key releases statement on Instagram amid Park Na Rae-injection aunt controversy
Taking to his official Instagram page, SHINee’s Key penned a formal apology for worrying concerned parties over his ties with the so-called “injection auntie.”
According to Soompi’s English translation of the post, the singer wrote statement was as follows:
“Hello, this is Key.
I sincerely apologise for causing many people concern with the various issues related to me recently. I, too, was confused and flustered by the newly revealed facts, and I apologize for not being able to quickly organize my thoughts and clarify what I will do moving forward sooner.
I had always prided myself on being able to distance myself from such issues, but I feel incredibly sorry and ashamed toward the many people who trusted and supported me as I believe that thought is what prevented me from looking around my surroundings more wisely.
I will diligently do everything I can regarding this matter. I will once again take time to reflect on myself and my surroundings. Once again, I am truly sorry.”
SM Entertainment announces Key to step down from programs
Meanwhile, SM Entertainment apologised for delaying their statement, as they needed to “communicate with various parties involved in his world tour schedule and activities.”
The company stated that Key visited a hospital in Gangnam where Ms Lee works after an acquaintance recommended her to him. The statement firmly emphasises that Key had knowledge of the so-called injection aunt’s nefarious involvements, as she was introduced as a doctor to him.
As a result, he continued getting treatment at the hospital, and at times when it was not possible for him to be physically present at the location, he received medical care at home.
“Believing Ms. Lee to be a physician—and with Ms. Lee offering no indication to the contrary—Key did not realise that receiving care at home could be problematic,” SM Entertainment foregrounded. “Amid the recent controversy over Ms. Lee’s medical license, Key became aware for the first time that Ms. Lee is not a licensed physician. He himself is extremely confused and is deeply reflecting on his own lack of awareness.”
Thereafter, the K-pop agency announced that since Key himself had seen through the gravity of the rising controversy, he had opted to withdraw from all currently scheduled activities.
Key recently finished several world tour obligations in the US. Back in August, SM Entertainment announced his plans for the North American leg of his 2025 solo tour “KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley” with the following dates:
- Los Angeles – Dec 3
- Oakland – Dec 5
- Dallas / Ft Worth – Dec 8
- Brooklyn – Dec 10
- Chicago – Dec 13
- Seattle – Dec 15
Here’s a list of programs expected to be affected after Key’s exit:
- MBC Entertainment Awards 2025 – He was meant serve as the show’s MC
- Home Alone
- Amazing Saturday
- DdeunDdeun’s THE CLOSET DETECTIVE: REBOOT – uploads cancelled
- Halmyungsoo YouTube channel Dubai Special