SHINee's Key visits hometown in Daegu following 'Injection Aunt' controversy

SHINee's Key has shared a glimpse of his daily life, visiting his hometown in Daegu for the first time in a while following recent controversies. In contrast to the glamorous life of a star focused on stage performances and broadcasts, he drew attention by showing a modest side, traveling via KTX to his hometown to eat home-cooked meals with his family.

On the 27th, Key posted a short video on his SNS with the caption "The Kim family's hometown." The video captures a relatively natural routine, from boarding the KTX at Seoul Station heading toward Daegu to arriving at his family home and spending time with his relatives.

Inside the KTX, Key traveled with his face covered by a mask and a hat. After arriving in Daegu, he showed a more casual side, spending time with his family and eating home-cooked meals in comfortable attire—a side of his life not easily seen on television.

In particular, Key's mother, who previously gained public recognition through broadcasts, appeared in the video, adding a sense of familiarity. His mother had garnered attention by appearing on variety shows with her son in the past, and it was also revealed that she has a career as a nursing manager. She received interest not just for being a celebrity's family member, but as an individual with her own professional career.

The reason this video is garnering attention is not merely due to the scenery of returning home. At the end of last year, Key went through significant hardship, including a temporary hiatus from broadcasting activities, as his name was mentioned in the so-called "Injection Aunt" controversy.

At the time, Key stood at the center of the controversy when it was revealed that he had received treatment from a person, referred to as Person A, who was known to have performed medical-related acts alongside entertainer Park Na-rae and YouTuber Ipjjalbeun Haetnim. Key's side explained that they believed the individual in question was a doctor, but as suspicions regarding Person A's violation of the Medical Service Act expanded, the controversy grew beyond a simple entertainment industry issue into a matter concerning the legality of medical practices.

It was also reported that Key underwent police investigation as a suspect regarding the alleged violation of the Medical Service Act. However, the specific facts of the allegations and the determination of legal responsibility are matters that must be confirmed through investigation and judicial procedures.

In this context, the released video is closer to a status update focusing on his daily life rather than a direct explanation or statement regarding the controversy. Because it only captures him moving from Seoul to Daegu and eating with his family without any special message, it has actually drawn more public interest.

Through shows such as "I Live Alone," Key has demonstrated a strong presence in variety shows by showcasing his meticulous self-management, unique lifestyle, and cooking skills. Since he performs as a member of SHINee on stage and turns his own life into content on variety shows, this video of his return home is drawing reactions that it is a sort of "self-produced I Live Alone."

In particular, this video relatively highlights the image of Kim Kibum, the ordinary son, when he is with his family, rather than the celebrity Key. It is meaningful in that it shows the gap between his public image and his private daily life.

While it is too early to conclude that the controversy has been completely resolved, interest in his future activities is expected to rise again as Key reveals himself spending time with his family at his hometown home. For now, his move is interpreted as continuing a point of contact with the public by revealing his daily life before any discussion of a broadcast return.