SEOUL, December 17 (AJP) - K-pop boy band SHINee member Key belatedly admitted to receiving improper medical treatment and issued an apology, announcing his departure from all the shows he had been appearing on.
According to a statement released by his agency, SM Entertainment on Wednesday, Key had received treatment at a hospital in Gangnam, southern Seoul after being referred by a circle of his acquaintances and believed the hospital's practitioner, known by her last name Lee, to be a licensed doctor.
While continuing to receive treatment from her, he sometimes requested house calls when hospital visits were difficult.
The controversy arose after Lee posted photos of Key's pet on social media. Lee is also alleged to have treated comedian Park Na-rae, who recently stepped down from all her shows following multiple allegations involving her former managers including verbal abuse and physical assault.
Key, who recently toured U.S. cities for his solo concerts, had remained silent on the allegations, with suspicions growing among fans.
SM apologized for the delayed response, citing the need to coordinate with various parties involved in the overseas tour, adding that Key was shocked to learn Lee lacked a medical license.
Key regularly appeared on MBC's popular reality show "I Live Alone" and cable channel tvN's "Amazing Saturday."
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