SHINee's Onew Was Questioned as a Suspect in Korea's 'Injection Auntie' Scandal

SHINee's Onew (real name Lee Jin-ki) was summoned to the Gangnam Police Station in June as a suspect in a medical law violation case, his agency Griffin Entertainment confirmed in an official statement on the 12th. He visited a clinic for skin care purposes after being referred by an acquaintance, the agency said, and at no point did he have reason to question whether the person treating him held a valid medical license.

The investigation centers on a woman referred to in Korean media as 'Jusa Imo' (roughly, 'Injection Auntie'), who is accused of performing medical procedures including IV drips on celebrities without holding a domestic medical license. She allegedly operated out of personal spaces including an officetel and a vehicle. Police are also looking into whether she prescribed controlled medications such as antidepressants.

Griffin Entertainment's statement was direct: "At the time, Onew recognized the individual as a doctor or a medical professional affiliated with the hospital, and there were no circumstances that would have led him to doubt the legality of her medical license or the procedures." The agency added that Onew cooperated fully when investigators called him in for questioning in May, and asked the public not to spread unverified speculation while the investigation is still active.

The timing of the agency's statement and the police questioning don't quite line up neatly. The statement says Onew was questioned in May; the police report points to June. Both indicate he was questioned as a suspect, not a witness, which carries a different weight under Korean law.

Broadcaster Jeon Hyun-moo was also investigated separately on the same charges, questioned on a different date. His side had earlier released medical records and flatly denied receiving illegal treatments or personally summoning any medical professional. SHINee's Key (real name Kim Ki-bum) and YouTuber Ipsjalbeun Haetnim (Kim Mi-kyung) were both questioned as suspects in early last month.

The case originated from comedian and broadcaster Park Na-rae. Allegations first surfaced during a dispute between her and former managers, with claims that she had received treatments from 'Injection Auntie.' Police then widened the investigation to the woman's broader client list. Park Na-rae appeared for her third round of suspect questioning in May.

Under South Korean medical law, receiving treatment from an unlicensed practitioner is prohibited. Whether the celebrities involved face actual legal liability depends on what investigators determine about their awareness at the time, specifically whether they knew or should have known the person was not licensed. That distinction is now the crux of the entire investigation.

The Gangnam Police Station has not announced when it expects to wrap the case.