SHINee Key’s “Punishment” Following “Injection Auntie” Controversy Triggers Outrage
Just one week after SHINee’s Key issued an apology regarding his “injection auntie” controversy, SM Entertainment has sparked huge backlash with the group’s latest content.
On Christmas Eve, SM Entertainment released festive graphics for each of its groups, featuring their members’ handwritten illustrations on a Christmas tree as well as individual messages.
When SHINee’s Christmas content was posted to Weverse, however, fans immediately noticed Key’s absence. Only Onew, Minho, and Taemin participated in both the “Christmas Tree” and “Christmas Message” projects.
This exclusion marks the first time Key has been visibly removed from SHINee’s group activities since the “injection auntie” controversy erupted earlier this month. Key had previously addressed the matter on December 17 with a personal apology on Instagram, stating he only learned the practitioner wasn’t licensed when the controversy broke. However, many netizens continue to accuse him of lying.
SHINee’s Key Accused Of Allegedly Lying About Not Knowing “Injection Auntie” Was Not A Doctor
Now, his absence from the group’s content has ignited fury among fans.
yeah we have to blow everything up i fear https://t.co/LjVbz8Qyo3
— ☆ (@coolasmp3) December 24, 2025
3-member christmas tree :(((((((((( give me my kibum back u hell company!!!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/uShP2wHGhi
— 리 lee (@noisemusicstan) December 24, 2025
kibum not even allowed to decorate that stupid little weverse christmas tree just kinda broke my heart again
— nikki | seeing taem and jinks (@eclipse6v6) December 24, 2025
Many are criticizing SM Entertainment for “punishing” Key, with several expression confusion given that Key could be considered a victim of medical malpractice himself.
I actually still can’t get behind why they’re blacklisting Key, I need locals to explain https://t.co/epYEGg18JV
— BAMBOLEO🩰🎼 (@scentofvelvet) December 24, 2025
As far as I know.. the gen public is PISSED that bummie is being forced to step down and disappear for seemingly no reason. Everyone I’ve talked with is just shocked and disappointed that this is how things are going
— 미노 🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵 (@deer_ming) December 24, 2025
Others, meanwhile, are voicing their concerns about what this means for Key’s future with SHINee. During a KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley show in New York this month, Key announced that the group would be making a comeback in 2026.
In a statement released on the same day as Key’s apology, SM Entertainment confirmed that Key would be stepping down from all upcoming schedules and TV shows, such as his long-standing role on Amazing Saturday. His appearance at the SMTOWN LIVE concert in Fukuoka next January has also been cancelled, as well as his KEYLAND hall tour in Japan, which was scheduled from March to May 2026.
