It has been belatedly confirmed that the police investigation into illegal medical procedures by the so-called "Auntie Needle," which initially centered on comedian Park Na-rae and later spread to SHINee member Key and YouTuber "Littlesunnyfriend," has now expanded to include group member Onew (real name Lee Jin-ki) and television personality Jun Hyun-moo.
According to the police on the 12th, the Seoul Gangnam Police Station summoned and investigated Park Na-rae, Jun Hyun-moo, Onew, Key, and Littlesunnyfriend (real name Kim Mi-kyung) sequentially from May to June in connection with allegations of illegal procedures by a 45-year-old unlicensed medical practitioner surnamed Lee, widely known as "Auntie Needle."
Following Park Na-rae's third round of questioning in May, it was learned that Key, Littlesunnyfriend, Jun Hyun-moo, and Onew were each investigated as suspects until early June.
Lee is under investigation on charges of administering intravenous drips and prescribing antidepressants to celebrities in officetels and vehicles despite lacking a domestic medical license, as well as hoarding pharmaceuticals by collecting prescriptions. Under current medical law, individuals who receive unlicensed procedures can also be punished as accomplices if they were aware that the provider was unlicensed and actively requested the procedure. Consequently, police have reportedly focused on verifying whether each summoned individual was aware of Lee's lack of qualifications.
In response, Onew's agency, Griffin Entertainment, stated through an official statement on the 12th, "Onew visited a clinic in the past upon the introduction of an acquaintance and received treatment for skin management purposes." The agency added, "At the time, Onew perceived the individual as a doctor or a medical-related person affiliated with the clinic, and there were no circumstances that would have caused him to doubt the medical license or the legality of the procedures."
The agency also noted, "During a related investigation conducted once in May, we stated the above facts as they were and faithfully cooperated with the investigative authority's probe," adding, "We hope that unverified speculations and information differing from the truth will not be spread."
Previously, Key and Littlesunnyfriend acknowledged receiving treatment from Lee and stated that they knew Lee to be a doctor. Key admitted to receiving procedures 12 days after the allegations surfaced and temporarily suspended his broadcast activities, but later released a new SHINee album and performed at a solo concert held at the KSPO DOME in Seoul Olympic Park from May 29 to 31.
Photo: Reporter Baek Seung-chul
(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Kyung-yoon)
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