SHINee's Onew addresses 'injection auntie' unlicensed medical allegations

SHINee's Onew's agency has released an official statement regarding allegations of unlicensed medical practices involving an individual referred to as the so-called 'injection auntie.' The agency explained that Onew believed the individual to be a doctor or a medical professional affiliated with the hospital, and there were no circumstances that would have led him to suspect issues regarding medical licenses or treatment procedures.

On the 12th, Onew's agency, Griffin Entertainment Co., Ltd., stated in an official position paper, "Onew previously visited a hospital through an introduction from an acquaintance to receive treatment for skin care purposes."

According to the agency, Onew perceived the individual at the time as a doctor or a medical professional belonging to the hospital. The agency explained that there were no circumstances to suspect that the individual lacked a medical license or that the treatment procedures were not lawful.

It has been reported that Onew underwent an investigation last May regarding the allegations. The agency stated, "He testified to the facts as they are and faithfully participated in the investigation by the investigative authorities."

Previously, Onew was embroiled in controversy over whether he had received unlicensed medical treatment from an individual known as the 'injection auntie.' As the controversy spread, attention focused on how Onew came to know the individual and what kind of treatment he actually received.

The agency drew a line against speculations that Onew utilized the services while knowing the illegality of the medical practice. In particular, as the investigation is currently ongoing, they cautioned against the spread of unverified information being treated as fact.

"As the investigation is currently underway, we hope that unverified speculation or contents different from the facts do not spread," the agency stated. "We will continue to do our best to protect the rights and interests of our artists."

The following is the full text of the official statement from Onew's agency, Griffin Entertainment Co., Ltd.:

"Hello. This is Griffin Entertainment Co., Ltd.

We are providing an official position regarding the articles reported today concerning our artist, Onew.

As stated in the position paper released last December, Onew previously visited a hospital through an introduction from an acquaintance to receive treatment for skin care purposes. At that time, Onew perceived the individual as a doctor or a medical professional affiliated with the hospital, and there were no circumstances to doubt the legality of the medical license or procedures.

Accordingly, during the related investigation conducted last May, Onew testified to the facts as they are and faithfully participated in the investigation by the investigative authorities.

As the investigation is currently underway, we hope that unverified speculation or contents different from the facts do not spread. We will continue to do our best to protect the rights and interests of our artist.

Thank you."