SHINee member Onew has been summoned by police for questioning over allegations of receiving illegal medical treatments from a woman known as Injection Aunt. In response, his agency has issued a statement.
On Wednesday, Griffin Entertainment released a statement saying that as it disclosed last December, Onew visited a clinic for skincare treatment on the recommendation of an acquaintance. At the time, Onew believed the individual was a licensed medical professional or affiliated with the clinic’s staff. There were no circumstances that would have raised doubts about the legality of the medical license or procedures.
The agency continued that in May, Onew provided a truthful account of these facts during the investigation and cooperated fully with the authorities. As the investigation is ongoing, it urges the public to refrain from spreading unverified speculation or misinformation.”
Police sources revealed on Wednesday that the Gangnam Police Department in Seoul questioned Onew and Jeon Hyun Moo in May and June. Last month, they also summoned Key and Lee Ji Won, known as Haetnim, as suspects in the medical law violation case.
Furthermore, comedian Park Na Rae, facing similar charges, appeared for a third round of questioning in May.
These individuals are accused of receiving unauthorized medical treatments from the woman dubbed Injection Aunt. She allegedly administered intravenous (IV) drips and prescribed antidepressants in private spaces such as an officetel and a vehicle, without a valid medical license in South Korea. Police began investigating her in February, having previously imposed a travel ban on her late last year and subsequently searched her residence.
However, Onew’s agency had previously addressed these allegations last December, stating that Onew first visited the clinic in Sinsa-dong, where the woman works, in April 2022 on a friend’s recommendation. Given the clinic’s apparent legitimacy, it was challenging to recognize any potential licensing issues at the time. They emphasized that Onew’s visit was solely for skincare purposes, and the signed CD he gave was merely a gesture of appreciation for the treatment.