SHINee Key, Xports News DB.

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(Reporter Kim Ye-eun) SHINee Key belatedly addressed the 'Syringe Auntie' allegations. This was only after wrapping up both his US tour and fan sign event. Key's agency, SM Entertainment, released an official statement on the 17th saying, "Key first met Ms. Lee at a hospital in Gangnam, recommended by an acquaintance, and knew her as a doctor." They added, "Key only recently learned that Ms. Lee was not a doctor due to the medical license controversy, is extremely confused, and deeply regrets his ignorance."

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Previously, after Park Narae's 'Syringe Auntie' controversy erupted, Key was embroiled in rumors of having close ties with the 'Syringe Auntie.' The 'Syringe Auntie' is a person who performed illegal medical procedures despite not being a medical professional. Key was known to maintain a private relationship, even attending the 'Syringe Auntie's' child's first birthday party. Several other stars also faced allegations of ties to the 'Syringe Auntie' but quickly released statements. Key, however, kept his mouth tightly shut. Instead, normal activities continued, such as selfies from the US tour being posted on SHINee's official account. Key's US tour ran from the 3rd to the 15th.

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Key handled scheduled activities right up until the moment he made his statement, attending a fan sign event. A photo taken with famous DJ JoJo Wright was uploaded to SHINee's official account just five hours before the statement dropped. Essentially, he only opened his mouth after finishing all planned events. However, Key explained that the delay was for other reasons, stating, "I was also confused and flustered by the new facts I learned," and "I apologize for not being able to organize my stance faster and clarify what I would do sooner." Netizens are lining up with reactions saying, "That's so shady/despicable."