Group SHINee member Key offered a sincere apology, saying "I deeply reflect on my ignorance."
SM Entertainment bowed its head on the 17th in an official statement, saying, "We sincerely apologize for the difficulty in promptly issuing a statement due to the need to communicate with multiple parties regarding overseas tour schedules and activities." This was also the first time the reason for Key's delayed official statement was revealed. It added, "We deeply apologize for causing concern to fans and everyone involved because of this matter."
The agency went on to explain how Key first came into contact with the person in question. According to SM, Key first learned that Mr. Lee was a doctor when he visited a hospital in Gangnam-gu on the recommendation of an acquaintance, and he subsequently continued to receive treatment at that hospital.
Although there were several instances recently when it was difficult to visit the hospital and he received treatment at home, the agency said, "Key believed Mr. Lee was a doctor, and because the person did not make any particular remarks, he did not recognize that home treatment could be problematic."
However, after the recent controversy over medical licenses revealed that Mr. Lee was not a doctor, Key reportedly experienced great shock and confusion. SM emphasized, "Key is deeply reflecting on his ignorance and is taking the gravity of the matter very seriously."
Accordingly, Key expressed remorse and said, "I have decided to withdraw from all scheduled activities and programs in which I was appearing."
SM Entertainment concluded by saying, "We sincerely apologize once again for causing disappointment and concern with this matter, and we will manage more carefully to prevent a recurrence."
On the same day, Key posted on his social media starting with, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people with various stories related to me lately."
He bowed his head, saying, "I am also confused and embarrassed by the newly discovered facts, and I am sorry that I could not organize my position and announce what I will do going forward more quickly."
He added, "I used to pride myself on being able to keep such things at a distance, but that attitude seems to have made me less wise in looking around me. I am so sorry and ashamed to the many people who trusted and supported me."
Finally, Key said, "I will earnestly do everything I can regarding this matter. I will take time to reflect on myself and my surroundings once again. I am truly sorry once again."
'Injection aunt' is the person accused of performing illegal medical procedures on comedian Park Na-rae. The middle-aged woman was originally known as a beauty entrepreneur who ran a large dermatology clinic. However, as Park Na-rae became embroiled in disputes with former managers, the woman was implicated in illegal medical allegations and mentioned in connection with those disputes.
In particular, she was reported to be from a nonexistent "ghost medical school" called the Inner Mongolia Pogang Medical University in China and is a figure who cannot be officially confirmed by any medical organizations in Korea, such as the Korean Medical Association Organization or the Korean Nursing Association (KNA). As it emerged that neither her origin nor her medical license could be verified, Mr. A also deleted all posts on his personal social media, fueling suspicion. Amid this, it caused a stir that she was reportedly acquainted with Key and other entertainers.
- the following is SM Entertainment's full statement
Hello, this is SM Entertainment.
We are writing regarding our artist Key.
First, because communication with various parties related to overseas tour schedules and activities was necessary, we sincerely apologize for the difficulty in issuing a prompt statement.
Key visited a hospital in Gangnam-gu where Mr. Lee works on the recommendation of an acquaintance and first learned of him as a doctor.
Key continued to receive treatment at that hospital, and when it was recently difficult to visit the hospital, he received treatment at home several times. This was because he believed Mr. Lee was a doctor, and since Mr. Lee made no particular remarks, he did not think receiving treatment at home would be a problem.
Accordingly, Key first became aware through recent controversy over Mr. Lee's medical license that he was not a doctor and is very confused, and he is deeply reflecting on his ignorance.
Therefore, recognizing the gravity of this matter, Key has decided to withdraw from currently scheduled activities and programs in which he is appearing.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans and everyone involved.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]