SHINee's Key and Mukbang YouTuber Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim, 'Joo-sai-mo' Controversy: Six Months of Self-Reflection. Is Park Na-rae's Return Possible? [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Following the suspension of activities after receiving illegal medical procedures from the unlicensed "Joo-sai-mo," SHINee's Key and mukbang YouTuber Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim appear to be preparing for a return after approximately six months. Could comedian Park Na-rae, who is known to have frequently received illegal medical procedures, also be planning a comeback?

According to a report by MK Sports on the 15th, Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim has reportedly taken over and is operating a pet cafe located in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Recently, eyewitness accounts of seeing Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim at the pet cafe have surfaced on social media and online communities related to pets.

Previously, Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim had expressed deep affection for their pet. In 2023, after losing their long-time pet dog Chun-sam-i, they showed profound grief and longing.

At the end of last year, Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim became embroiled in allegations of illegally receiving medication and IV drips from "Joo-sai-mo," a person close to Park Na-rae. It was also reported that Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim acted as a messenger, delivering medication from "Joo-sai-mo" to Park Na-rae.

During the controversy, they denied allegations of illegal medical procedures via social media, stating, "I only received swelling medication." However, they also apologized, saying, "I am reflecting on and organizing the current controversies and allegations. If there are any mistakes, I will admit them and will not make excuses or evade responsibility."

As a result of the fallout, Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim withdrew from tvN's variety program "Amazing Saturday" and suspended their YouTube activities.

Prior to Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim, Key had already returned to activities by rejoining SHINee for full-group performances. Key resumed official activities after six months by holding solo concerts at Seoul Olympic Park's KSPO Dome from the 29th to 31 and at Saitama's Beruna Dome in Japan on June 5 and 7. Subsequently, Key released SHINee's sixth mini-album "Atmos" on the 1st and appeared on SBS "Inkigayo" on the 14th.

Key resumed their SNS activities on the 14th, six months after the "Joo-sai-mo" controversy. They stated, "Thanks to the KSPO Dome and Beruna Dome concerts, I was able to complete them safely. Every moment I shared with you on stage was truly happy and will remain in my memory for a long time. Thanks to the great support for the 'Atmos' activities, it was an even more special time. I sincerely thank all 'SHINee World' (fanclub name) members who have always supported me without change. Let's meet again with good appearances!" They posted only their reflections on completing activities, excluding any mention of the controversy.

Key, like Park Na-rae, was also swept up in the "Joo-sai-mo" controversy and withdrew from MBC's "I Live Alone" and tvN's "Amazing Saturday." During the controversy, Key stated, "I had always prided myself on being able to stay far away from such incidents, but it seems that this mindset prevented me from looking around more wisely. I am deeply sorry and ashamed to all those who trusted and supported me."

With Key and Ip-jjal-eun-haet-nim returning around the same time after six months of self-reflection following the illegal medical procedure controversy, attention is now focused on when Park Na-rae might return. However, Park Na-rae still faces multiple issues, including the illegal medical procedure controversy and the manager abuse controversy, making both her return and its timing uncertain. Nevertheless, in the pre-recorded "Fate War 49," which was released in February, Park Na-rae appeared without any editing.

Two former managers of Park Na-rae filed a lawsuit against her in December last year, citing charges such as special injury, defamation through false statements, and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act, alongside an application for a real estate provisional seizure. In response, Park Na-rae's side filed a counter-lawsuit against them at Yongsan Police Station for attempted extortion and embezzlement in the course of duty. On May 18, Park Na-rae's former boyfriend, who was reported for allegedly illegally providing her managers' personal information, including names and resident registration numbers, to the police, was cleared of all charges.

Among these, the managers revealed that Park Na-rae received IV drips at her home and car through a person referred to as "Joo-sai-mo," identified as Person A. They claimed that Park Na-rae was aware of the illegality of the procedures, as she continued to receive them even after knowing the provider was not a licensed physician, citing recordings as evidence.

As a result of the controversy, Park Na-rae withdrew from all broadcasts, including her regular appearances on MBC's "I Live Alone" and tvN's "Amazing Saturday." After suspending activities, Park Na-rae was spotted learning makgeolli (Korean rice wine) brewing techniques at a traditional liquor academy in central Seoul alongside acquaintances. When asked about her recent activities, she reportedly replied briefly, "I have to do something."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.