On the 17th, SM Entertainment said KEY was introduced to Ms. Lee by an acquaintance and first met her at a clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam District, believing she was a licensed physician. He continued receiving care at that facility and, when clinic visits were difficult, received a few at-home treatments.
According to the agency, KEY only recently realized amid questions over Ms. Lee’s credentials that she is not a doctor licensed in Korea. SM noted he is “deeply shaken” and remorseful for his lack of due diligence.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, KEY will step back from his upcoming schedule and withdraw from programs he is currently appearing on.
Meanwhile, comedian Park Na-rae is in an ongoing legal dispute following allegations from former managers about workplace mistreatment. Additional claims surfaced that she received IV drips and other illegal medical services, as well as proxy prescriptions, from Ms. Lee. With no domestic record of a medical license for Ms. Lee confirmed, the controversy intensified. Old social posts in which Ms. Lee touted her friendship with KEY resurfaced, fueling demands for the K-pop star to address the situation.
SM apologized for the delayed statement, citing the need to coordinate with overseas tour plans and multiple partners, and issued a formal apology to fans and the public for causing concern.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)