The attitudes of Park Na-rae and Key toward the so-called 'injection aunt' were markedly different. Park Na-rae remained silent without apology or explanation, while Key reflected on his ignorance and apologized first.
Amid the heated controversy over comedian Park Na-rae's 'injection aunt,' SHINee member Key acknowledged his wrongdoing and apologized. It was a different course of action from Park Na-rae, who amid mounting allegations over illegal medical practices repeatedly expressed only a 'legal response' stance without a word of explanation.
SM Entertainment, Key's agency, said in an official statement on the 17th, "Key visited a hospital in Gangnam District where Mr. Lee (the 'injection aunt') worked after a friend's recommendation and first met him as a doctor. Key continued to receive treatment at that hospital, and recently, when it was difficult to visit the hospital, he received treatment at home a few times."
They added, "This was because he knew Mr. Lee as a doctor and Mr. Lee made no particular remark, so he did not think receiving treatment at home would be a problem," and explained, "Key only recently first learned that Mr. Lee was not a doctor amid controversy over Mr. Lee's medical license and is very confused and deeply reflecting on his own ignorance."
They went on to say, "Therefore, recognizing the seriousness of this matter, Key has decided to withdraw from currently scheduled commitments and programs he is appearing on," and apologized, "Once again, we sincerely apologize for causing concern to fans and everyone."
Key's side also apologized in detail for the delayed statement regarding the 'injection aunt' controversy, saying, "We sincerely apologize that a prompt statement was difficult because communication with various parties related to overseas tour schedules and activities was required."
Key also posted on his own social media, "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people recently due to various stories related to me. I, too, am confused and embarrassed by newly learned facts, and I am sorry that I could not organize my position and promptly announce what I will do in the future."
Key said, "I prided myself on being able to stay away from such matters, but that belief seems to have prevented me from looking around more wisely, and I am very sorry and ashamed to the many who trusted and supported me," and reiterated, "I will diligently do everything I can regarding this matter. I will take time to reflect on myself and my surroundings. Once again, I sincerely apologize." He acknowledged his wrongdoing, reflected on his ignorance, and repeatedly apologized to fans and those around him who were harmed.
Key's apology statement was very different from the statement video Park Na-rae released on her YouTube channel on the 15th. Park Na-rae released a 2-minute, 23-second statement on her YouTube channel, saying, "There are parts where the facts raised need to be calmly verified, so we are proceeding with legal procedures." Although it was her second statement after announcing her voluntary withdrawal from broadcasts, it contained no explanation or apology for the allegations and controversies that had spread.
In particular, Park Na-rae took a posture of neither explaining nor denying nor affirming the numerous allegations including the 'injection aunt' controversy, and emphasized only 'legal procedures.' Even if the facts are still being verified, critics poured in saying it was disappointing that her statement ended without a word of apology for causing confusion or disappointment to fans and the public who had supported her.
But Key was different. He explained the related situation in detail, honestly acknowledged and reflected on his ignorance, and repeatedly apologized for being the subject of gossip, for the delayed statement, and for disappointing fans who supported him. He said he would be criticized for his wrongdoing, but he handled it maturely by apologizing quickly.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]