Korean Celebrities Embroiled in Illegal Medical Treatment Scandal Involving ‘Aunt Injection’
A growing controversy is engulfing South Korean entertainment figures, with allegations surfacing that YouTuber Haetnim and comedian Park Na-rae received unauthorized medical treatments from an individual known as “Aunt Joo,” raising serious questions about unregulated cosmetic procedures and the use of prescription drugs.
The unfolding scandal has already impacted the popular tvN variety show “Amazing Saturday,” with both Park Na-rae and SHINee’s Key temporarily stepping away from their roles. Production staff confirmed on Thursday, August 18th, that they are awaiting a statement from Haetnim before determining next steps, but acknowledged that pre-recorded segments featuring the two celebrities remain and are slated to air this week.
according to reports from Dispatch, Haetnim was a frequent client of Ms. Lee, also referred to as Park Na-rae’s “Aunt Joo.” The allegations center around the delivery of diet pills and IV drips administered without proper medical oversight. A source close to the situation claimed Ms. Lee detailed Haetnim’s usage, stating, “Hatnim takes it 3 times. On days when she eats too much, she takes 4 times. Sometimes haetnim even dreams of gaining 99kg again.It’s an effort to eat like that and maintain the 60kg range.”
Ms. Lee allegedly boasted to Park Na-rae’s manager about the effectiveness of her treatments, claiming, “Hatnim’s diet secret is my medicine,” and “Hatnim took my medicine and lost 30 kg.” The delivery process reportedly involved Ms. Lee providing medication to Haetnim’s manager, who then passed it on to Park Na-rae’s manager. Arrangements for IV treatments were also reportedly made directly with Ms. lee, with Haetnim scheduling an appointment for Thursday. Both Haetnim and Park Na-rae allegedly underwent treatments involving a high-frequency machine alongside the IV drips. While Haetnim acknowledged receiving swelling medication at a hospital associated with Ms. lee, she denied any connection between those treatments and the diet pills or IV drips.
The core of the issue lies in Ms. Lee’s lack of a valid medical license. She has reportedly worked as a broker for plastic surgery procedures. On August 7th, Ms. Lee posted a photo on Instagram depicting herself in a doctor’s gown at a hospital in Inner Mongolia, China, claiming to have been the “first Korean and foreigner” to serve as a youngest professor at Pogang Medical University Hospital and to have hosted the Korea Plastic Surgery Center.This account has since been deleted.
the allegations have prompted swift action from medical authorities.Lim Hyun-taek, former president of the Korean Medical Association, has filed a formal report with the prosecution against both Park Na-rae and Ms. Lee. The Doctors’ Association for a Fair Society further intensified the scrutiny, stating on August 7th that Pogang Medical College, the institution Ms. Lee claimed to have been affiliated with, is a “ghost medical school” – a nonexistent entity. The Korean Medical Association echoed these concerns on August 8th, labeling the practices as a clear violation of Article 27 of the Medical Service Act and alleging the potential misuse of psychotropic drugs like clonazepam and trazodone, which are prohibited from non-face-to-face prescriptions.
The inquiry is expected to be thorough, with authorities seeking to determine the full extent of the alleged illegal medical practices and ensure appropriate accountability. The scandal underscores the risks associated with seeking cosmetic procedures outside of regulated medical settings and highlights the need for stricter oversight within the South Korean entertainment industry.
