Key (real name Kim Ki-bum, 34), a member of the group SHINee, acknowledged allegations that he received treatment from the person known as the "injection aunt" and apologized.
Key said on the 17th on his social media (SNS), "I sincerely apologize for causing concern to many people with the various stories about me these days."
Key said, "I am confused and flustered by the newly learned facts, and I am also sorry that I was not able to promptly organize my position and quickly explain how I will proceed."
He added, "I had been confident that I could keep myself far from such matters, but that thinking seems to have kept me from looking around me more wisely," and said, "I feel deeply sorry and ashamed toward the many people who trusted and supported me."
Key said, "I will faithfully do everything I can regarding this matter," and added, "I will take time once again to reflect on myself and those around me."
Earlier, SM Entertainment, Key's agency, explained that Key, on a recommendation from an acquaintance, had visited a hospital in Seoul's Gangnam District where Ms. Lee, known as the "injection aunt," works to receive treatment, and that when visiting the hospital recently became difficult, he received treatment at home several times.
SM Entertainment said, however, that Key did not know Lee was not a doctor. Key decided to step down from all programs he is appearing in.
The controversy began when allegations surfaced that broadcaster Park Na-rae received illegal medical procedures from Lee. After a photo of Key's pet dog was spotted posted on Lee's SNS, suspicions were raised that Key also received illegal medical procedures.