SHINee's Key admits to illegal medical treatment, suspends activities

▲ Key of K-pop boy group SHINee is seen in this photo provided by SM Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SHINee member-controversy

SHINee's Key admits to illegal medical treatment, suspends activities

SEOUL, Dec. 17 (Yonhap) -- Key of K-pop boy group SHINee has admitted to illegally receiving medical services at home and announced he will suspend all broadcasting activities, his agency said Wednesday.

According to SM Entertainment, Key was introduced to an unlicensed practitioner, surnamed Lee and known locally as "injection aunt," through an acquaintance.

He first received treatment from her at a hospital where he believed she was working as a licensed doctor. He later had her provide medical services at his home "a few times when he was unable to visit the hospital."

The agency added that Key is "very confused after learning that the person is not a licensed practitioner and deeply remorseful about his ignorance."

His statement came a day after comedian Park Na-rae said she was pursuing legal procedures to address allegations of workplace abuse and illegal medical treatment, in her first official statement since suspending her broadcasting activities eight days ago.

Pressure had been mounting against Key, who appeared on MBC's popular reality show "I Live Alone" and tvN's show "Amazing Saturday" alongside Park, after Lee's Instagram posts reportedly hinted at close ties to the K-pop singer.

SM Entertainment apologized for its delayed official response to the allegations, citing the singer's overseas tour schedule.

"We sincerely apologize that we could not swiftly release our response amid the overseas tour schedule and the need for communication with people involved," it said, adding Key would step down from both shows, citing the "gravity" of the issue.

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