Arzen Rose Dulzura

SHINee’s Key and Onew questioned by police in South Korea’s ‘Injection Aunt’ investigation

Article (news)

Alyana De Guzman

Push Team

<p>SHINee members Key and Onew have been questioned by South Korean police as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations involving an unlicensed medical practitioner dubbed as the “Injection Aunt.” </p><p>According to The Korea Times, Key and Onew, along with TV personality Jun Hyun-moo and YouTuber HAETNIM, were questioned by the Seoul Gangnam Police Station between June and July. </p><p>The investigation centers on a woman identified by her surname, Lee, who allegedly provided medical treatments and procedures despite reportedly not holding a medical license in South Korea. </p><p>South Korean media reports said Lee allegedly administered treatments in places including officetels and vehicles and was also accused of illegally prescribing prescription medication, including antidepressants. </p><p>Authorities are looking into whether the celebrities who received treatment from Lee were aware that she was not a licensed medical professional. </p><p>The issue gained wider attention after comedian Park Na-rae was summoned by police in May over allegations that she had received medication from Lee. Investigators have since expanded their inquiry to other public figures who may have sought services from her. </p><p>According to The Korea Herald, practicing medicine without the required license can result in criminal penalties under South Korean law. Individuals who knowingly receive illegal medical services may also face legal consequences if authorities determine that they were aware of the practitioner&#x27;s lack of qualifications. </p><p>Onew&#x27;s agency, Griffin Entertainment, clarified on August 12 that the SHINee member had visited a clinic in the past after receiving a personal referral. </p><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-6" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DZw0Z7wEvaC/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A6%2C%22os%22%3A2754085.599999994%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="719" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-6" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>According to the agency, Onew received skin care treatment and believed Lee was a doctor or medical professional affiliated with the clinic. </p><p>&quot;At the time, Onew recognized the individual as a doctor or a medical professional affiliated with the clinic, and there were no circumstances that would have led him to doubt the legitimacy of her medical license or procedures,&quot; the agency said, as translated by The Herald Business. </p><p>Griffin Entertainment also confirmed that Onew had already been questioned by authorities once in May and he had cooperated with the investigation. </p><p>The agency said he provided a truthful account of what happened and emphasized that the singer had no reason at the time to question Lee&#x27;s credentials. </p><p>&quot;As the investigation is ongoing, we hope that unverified speculation or information inconsistent with the facts does not spread,&quot; the agency said, adding that it would continue to do its utmost to protect the rights and interests of its artists. </p><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/DR5z0uGD6Pp/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=768&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A2734849.5%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="888" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p>Meanwhile, SM Entertainment previously addressed Key&#x27;s involvement in the controversy in May. </p><p>&quot;Key only recently learned through the controversy over Lee’s medical license that Lee was not a doctor, and he is very confused and deeply regrets his lack of awareness,&quot; the agency said. </p><p>Key stepped away from activities for around six months starting December 2025 following the controversy. He returned to the spotlight in May with SHINee&#x27;s sixth EP, <em>Atmos</em>. </p><p>The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue determining the circumstances surrounding the celebrities&#x27; interactions with the alleged unlicensed practitioner.</p>

<p>SHINee members Key and Onew are among several Korean celebrities questioned by police over allegations involving an unlicensed medical practitioner known as the “Injection Aunt.”</p>

SHINee members Key and Onew are among several Korean celebrities questioned by police over allegations involving an unlicensed medical practitioner known as the “Injection Aunt.”