SHINee member Onew (Lee Jin-ki) has undergone police questioning regarding his involvement in an ongoing investigation into illegal, unlicensed medical treatments in the entertainment industry.
On August 12, 2026, his agency, Griffin Entertainment, released an official statement confirming that Onew testified transparently during a police inquiry held earlier this year.
Police Inquiry and Agency Statement
According to the Seoul Gangnam Police Station, several public figures—including Onew, SHINee bandmate Key, TV presenter Jun Hyun-moo, and popular mukbang YouTuber Short-Mouthed Hatnim—were questioned between June and July regarding treatments received from an unlicensed practitioner, commonly referred to in local media as an “Injection Aunt.”
| Incident Detail | Investigation Summary & Context |
| Artist Involved | Onew (SHINee / Griffin Entertainment) |
| Investigation Date | May 2026 (Initial Testimony Provided) |
| Nature of Treatment | Routine skincare management at a clinic |
| Perception at Time | Believed practitioner was a licensed medical professional |
| Police Station | Seoul Gangnam Police Station |
Griffin Entertainment addressed the situation directly to clarify Onew’s stance and understanding during his clinic visits:
“As previously stated in December last year, Onew visited a medical facility in the past through an acquaintance’s introduction to receive routine skincare treatments. At that time, Onew understood the individual to be a licensed doctor or legitimate medical staff member, and there was no circumstance to suspect any illegality.
During the police investigation conducted in May, Onew stated the facts exactly as they occurred and cooperated fully with law enforcement authorities.”
— Griffin Entertainment Official Statement
Wider Entertainment Industry Scope
The investigation stems from allegations surrounding a practitioner known as “A,” who gained media attention after being linked to comedian Park Na-rae in late 2025.
[Entertainment Industry Unlicensed Treatment Probe]
├── Initial Allegations: Unlicensed practitioner "A" linked to celebrity clients
├── Key Figures Questioned: Onew, Key, Jun Hyun-moo, Short-Mouthed Hatnim
└── Defense Position: Celebrities believed practitioner was a certified doctor
Agencies representing the public figures involved have maintained that their artists were unaware of the practitioner’s lack of medical licensure, as treatments were conducted within clinic environments.
Agency Commitment to Protect Artist Rights
Concluding their official statement, Griffin Entertainment urged the public and media outlets to refrain from speculative reporting while active police proceedings continue:
“As the investigation is currently ongoing, we sincerely request that unconfirmed speculations or inaccurate rumors do not spread further. We will continue to do our utmost to protect our artist’s rights.”
The SHINee Onew Unlicensed Medical Procedure Investigation remains under active review by law enforcement as authorities evaluate the extent of the practitioner’s unlicensed activities.
