The so-called "injection aunt" controversy, which began with allegations of power abuse by comedian Park Narae, is gradually spreading throughout the entertainment industry. Amid this, "Amazing Saturday" is taking the full brunt of the fallout.
On the 18th, Dispatch revealed circumstances suggesting mukbang YouTuber Ipjjalbeun Haetnim (real name Kim Mi-kyung) may have received illegal medical procedures from person A, the so-called "injection aunt."
According to the report, person A told Park Narae "You have to take diet pills twice a day. Haetnim takes them three times~ On days she eats a lot she takes them four times," conveying the nuance that person A prescribed diet pills to Ipjjalbeun Haetnim.
In addition, person A sent messages to Park Narae's manager saying, "Tomorrow I have to go to Sangam-dong because of Haetnim," and "I'll tell them to give (the medicine) to Haetnim during Friday's 'Amazing Saturday' filming," which can be interpreted as Ipjjalbeun Haetnim acting as a delivery intermediary for person A. In other instances, when Park Narae's manager asked about possible dates for an IV, person A mentioned Ipjjalbeun Haetnim, saying, "Narae said she'd definitely come after 'Amazing Saturday.' 'Haetnim is on Thursday, and I'm booked Saturday morning,'" according to the report.
There were also allegations that Park Narae and Ipjjalbeun Haetnim received radiofrequency stimulator procedures together from person A. That device is a medical device that cannot be purchased individually and, under the Medical Service Act, may only be used by professional medical personnel within a medical institution. However, Dispatch said it obtained photos of Park Narae receiving treatment with the device from person A at her Ilsan home and released on-site photos that drew attention. It also reported that Ipjjalbeun Haetnim actively used the device. In response, Ipjjalbeun Haetnim told Dispatch, "I once received swelling medication from the hospital where person A worked," and denied the rest, saying, "Diet pills and IVs are unrelated matters."
When the controversy arose, a representative of tvN's "Amazing Saturday" told OSEN, "We have received news related to Ipjjalbeun Haetnim and are currently verifying the facts."
With this, "Amazing Saturday" has been struck by controversy again. That is because the people implicated in the 'injection aunt' gate, including Park Narae, happened to all be cast members of "Amazing Saturday."
Park Narae released a statement and announced she would halt activities on the 8th, immediately after allegations of power abuse by a former manager, illegal medical practices and embezzlement surfaced. She stepped down from the MBC programs I Live Alone, Home for Us and "Amazing Saturday," and the programs continued to air previously recorded footage with Park Narae's segments reduced as much as possible.
Suspicions also arose that SHINee's Key had ties to person A, and Key, who delayed a statement because of a U.S. tour, issued an explanation and apology through his agency on the 17th. He said he visited a Gangnam-gu hospital where person A worked based on a friend's recommendation and initially believed him to be a doctor, and that when visiting the hospital recently had been difficult, he had received treatment at home several times. He said he thought person A was a doctor and, with no special remarks from person A, did not think receiving treatment at home would be a problem.
He added, "Key recently first became aware of the controversy over person A's medical license and that person A is not a doctor, and he is very confused and deeply reflecting on his own ignorance," and "Key recognizes the seriousness of this matter and has decided to withdraw from scheduled events and programs he is appearing in." Ultimately, Key also voluntarily left variety shows such as I Live Alone and "Amazing Saturday," and the "Amazing Saturday" side issued another statement saying, "We respect Key's wish to suspend broadcasting, and he will not participate in recordings from now on."
With Ipjjalbeun Haetnim now embroiled in the 'injection aunt' controversy, "Amazing Saturday" has been hit with a threefold series of cast-related controversies before it could recover. Since all three cast members were core to the show's identity, the damage from the successive controversies is likely to be considerable. At the time of Park Narae's departure, the "Amazing Saturday" side told OSEN, "(Regarding replenishing members) at this time (we) have no plans," but as the show's central player Ipjjalbeun Haetnim also faces the possibility of leaving, attention is focused on how they will respond going forward.
Meanwhile, Park Narae said about the series of controversies including the 'injection aunt,' "There are aspects of the current allegations that require calmly confirming the facts, and legal procedures are underway. I will not make further public comments or explanations during that process," and added, "I judge this matter should be verified objectively through official procedures, not as a personal emotional or relationship issue. It is a decision to put emotions and personal judgment aside and leave it to procedures to resolve, not to blame someone or assign responsibility."
She continued, "There are many stories circulating now, but I don't want another person to be hurt or for it to turn into an unnecessary controversy. Therefore I will pause all activities for a while and take time to focus on sorting out this matter. I will reflect on my responsibilities and attitude in my position. Issues that need time will be calmly left to the procedures," and added, "I thank the many people who cared for me, and to avoid further controversy I will not comment on related matters after this video."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]