KEY Apologizes Amid 'Injection Aunt' Controversy, Pauses All Activities: "I'm Sorry and Ashamed"

After years of a squeaky-clean run, SHINee’s KEY issued a public apology and said he will step back from all activities amid the so-called “Injection Aunt” controversy.

Posting to social media on Dec. 17, KEY wrote, “I sincerely apologize to everyone I’ve worried with the many stories about me lately.” He added, “I was confused and taken aback by what I recently learned, and I’m sorry I couldn’t quickly organize my thoughts and explain how I would move forward.”

“I always thought I could keep my distance from things like this, but that mindset kept me from looking around more carefully,” he continued. “To those who have trusted and supported me, I’m deeply sorry and ashamed. I’ll do everything I can regarding this matter and take time to reflect on myself and those around me.”

SM Entertainment also released a statement the same day, explaining how the situation unfolded.

According to the label, KEY first visited a hospital in Seoul’s Gangnam district on a friend’s recommendation and understood the staffer in question to be a physician, continuing treatment there afterward. On a few occasions when visiting the hospital was difficult, he received house-call treatments, still believing the person to be a licensed doctor and not recognizing any issue at the time.

SM said it recently became aware, amid a licensing controversy, that the individual was not a physician. “KEY deeply reflects on his lack of awareness,” the company noted, adding that, given the seriousness of the matter, he will pause his scheduled activities and exit the programs he’s currently appearing on.

Online, the controversy grew after the woman―widely nicknamed “Injection Aunt”―posted photos of KEY’s dog on social media and signs of past personal contact surfaced.

Earlier this year, KEY donated 50 million won to Kyungpook National University Children’s Hospital and has regularly supported medical expenses for pediatric patients. Fans have often credited his giving spirit to his mother, who worked as a nurse.

Photo by Baik Seung-Chul

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)