SHINee’s Key faces backlash for Jonghyun tribute amid unlicensed medical treatment controversy

SHINee’s Key has continued his social media activity amid an ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged involvement with an unlicensed medical practitioner, drawing mixed reactions from the public.

On December 17, Key acknowledged that he had received illegal medical treatment from a figure known as ‘Injection Aunt,’ who is accused of practicing medicine without a license. Following his admission, Key announced a suspension of all activities and voluntarily stepped down from the variety programs 'I Live Alone' on MBC and 'Amazing Saturday' on tvN, where he had been a regular cast member.

Amid this hiatus, Key posted a tribute on the morning of December 19 via his Instagram Story to commemorate his fellow SHINee member, the late Jonghyun. December 18 marked the eighth anniversary of Jonghyun’s passing. Alongside photos of Jonghyun taken during his lifetime, Key wrote messages such as “smile brother smile” and “miss you.”

As the post came just one day after Key shared his apology related to the ‘Injection Aunt’ controversy, some observers speculated that he joined the public tributes belatedly out of concern for public opinion. This timing has fueled divided reactions online.

Earlier this month, even as suspicions surrounding the ‘Injection Aunt’ case intensified, Key shared a photo with British actress and singer Cynthia Erivo. In addition, on December 17, the same day SM Entertainment released Key’s apology, SHINee’s official social media account uploaded a photo of Key posing with well-known American DJ JoJo Wright.

Against this backdrop, Key’s recent memorial post has been met with criticism from some netizens. Online reactions included comments such as “He doesn’t seem to grasp the seriousness of the situation at all,” “This is chilling,” “There’s a reason not just anyone can be a celebrity,” and “No one attacks someone for not posting a tribute on Instagram. The issue is doing this in the middle of a controversy.”

Others questioned his judgment, writing, “Is he lacking awareness?” “Was this really necessary?” “What is he doing?” and “This feels unsettling.”

As public scrutiny continues, opinions remain sharply divided over whether Key’s actions were inappropriate given the circumstances or simply a personal expression of remembrance.

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