The latest controversy rocking South Korea’s entertainment industry has spread at breakneck speed, pulling multiple celebrities into its widening fallout.
What began as allegations of power abuse involving comedian Park Na Rae has since escalated into a far more serious scandal centered on illegal medical practices. Among the celebrities now under scrutiny is SHINee’s Key, who is alleged to have maintained a close relationship with the so-called “Injection Aunt,” an individual accused of administering medical procedures without a valid license.
After days of silence, Key has issued a statement through his agency and stepped down from several television programs, further intensifying public debate and industry repercussions.
Variety Shows Reportedly Affected by the “Key” Controversy
- 'I Live Alone' – Departure
- 'Amazing Saturday' – Departure
- MBC Entertainment Awards – Stepped down as MC
- New YouTube program on channel DdeunDdeun – Cancelled after two episodes
- 'Halmyungsoo' YouTube channel Dubai Special – originally planned as three-part series, but it is now unclear whether the remaining episodes will be released.
Following the latest controversy involving Key, many entertainment programs have been affected. YouTube channel DdeunDdeun announced through the channel's bulletin board, "Uploads of 'Closet Thief Reboot' will be discontinued. After comprehensively considering the cast member’s position and the surrounding circumstances, the production team has decided to conclude production of this content." The channel's decision to cancel the show primarily stemmed from the fact that Key was the core celebrity leading the show.
Criticism Intensifies
Despite multiple program withdrawals and cancellations, Key reportedly proceeded with his world tour and fan sign events without canceling a single schedule.
Online criticism has since surged, with commenters accusing him of prioritizing personal profit while disrupting production teams and causing problems for his co-stars. Many expressed frustration that while he has often been seen delivering moral lectures and presenting himself as considerate of others, he now appears to be shifting responsibility and acting oblivious to the impact of his actions.
These netizens commented:
“That’s impressive—in the worst way.”
“Were the tour cancellation penalties really that huge? It might’ve been better to state his position early and protect the broadcasts.”
“At least stepping down as an awards show MC caused the least damage.”
“I didn’t realize he was involved in that many projects.”
“It’s unfair. He’s not the only one appearing on these shows—what about everyone else?”
“So he went all the way to Dubai for Halmyungsoo?”
“Incredibly inconsiderate.”
“He finished his entire tour and then released a statement—seriously?”
“So selfish. Only his tour mattered?”
“Anything that would cause him or his company financial loss, he made sure to finish first.”
“People on Twitter are still defending him—honestly surprising.”
“Dragging this out for over 10 days caused massive collateral damage. Production schedules were wrecked.”
Several commenters pointed out that if he had acknowledged the situation and clarified his stance earlier—particularly when the issue first surfaced—the fallout might not have escalated this far. Instead, the prolonged silence reportedly left ongoing shows, editing teams, and production staff in limbo while public pressure mounted.
Others noted that programs like Halmyungsoo, which involved overseas filming and sponsorships, may have suffered the greatest losses, calling the situation a “huge burden” for the production.
The prevailing sentiment across the discussion is one of disappointment, with many concluding that delaying accountability while completing personal schedules left a far worse impression than an early, transparent response would have.
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SEE ALSO: Park Na Rae’s explanation video sparks criticism from viewers and experts
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