The agency representing Onew of the K-pop group SHINee , Griffin Entertainment, released an official statement to clarify the artist’s connection to a controversial figure known as “Jusa-i-mo” (Injection Aunt), who is at the center of allegations involving comedian Park Na-rae.
The public statement was issued to definitively address and dispel growing speculation about Onew’s involvement in the escalating scandal, which primarily concerns illegal medical practices.
Clarification on Onew’s Relationship
The core of the controversy stems from the individual, referred to as Ms. A or “Jusa-i-mo,” being accused of performing illegal medical services without a proper Korean license, including administering IV drips and obtaining proxy prescriptions for medications like antidepressants.
Following the outbreak of the scandal involving Park Na-rae, past social media posts by Ms. A surfaced online, which included a photo of a signed SHINee album gifted by Onew.
This post led to widespread speculation that Onew may have maintained a close personal relationship with Ms. A or received illegal services from her.
Griffin Entertainment explicitly drew a line regarding any illegal activities, confirming the following facts:
- Initial Meeting and Purpose: Onew first visited the clinic in Sinsa-dong where Ms. A worked in April 2022 based on a recommendation from an acquaintance.
- Nature of Visit: The purpose of Onew’s visit to the clinic was strictly for skin care purposes.
- Unawareness of Controversy: The agency stressed that given the size and scale of the hospital at the time of the visit, Onew was unaware of the medical license controversy that is now being discussed online. This suggests the controversy surrounding Ms. A’s credentials emerged after Onew’s visit.
- Signed CD: The autographed CD with a handwritten message from Onew, which had been posted online, was simply an “expression of gratitude for the treatment received” at the clinic and did not signify a deeper personal or professional relationship beyond that of a client and a clinic staff member.
SHINee’s Onew (Credit: YouTube)
Regret Over Baseless Speculation
In their statement, Onew’s agency expressed strong regret over the situation. They stated,
“We deeply regret the indiscriminate spread and reproduction of stories that are not based on fact regarding our artist.”
The agency also asked the public and media to refrain from generating further speculation, asserting their commitment to protecting the artist’s reputation and rights:
“We hope that no further speculation will arise, and we will continue to do our utmost to protect our artist’s honor and rights.”
Background of the Park Na-rae Scandal
Onew’s clarification comes amidst a much larger controversy surrounding popular comedian and TV personality Park Na-rae, who had already been facing allegations of workplace harassment, assault, and embezzlement filed by two of her former managers.
During this legal dispute, allegations surfaced that Park Na-rae had repeatedly received illegal medical services, such as IV infusions and proxy prescriptions, from Ms. A (the “Jusa-i-mo”), who is alleged to not possess a valid Korean medical license.
The Korean Medical Association has since filed a complaint, urging a thorough investigation into the alleged unlicensed medical practice and illegal distribution of drugs.
Park Na-rae, who is currently on a hiatus from broadcasting, has denied the illegal medical practice claims, stating she only received nutrient injections from licensed professionals during house calls due to her busy schedule.
The entire scandal has created widespread unrest across the Korean entertainment industry, prompting other celebrities, including SHINee’s Key, to also face scrutiny after their potential links to Ms. A were exposed online through social media posts.
Lee Chae Yeon, the highly talented artist known for her exceptional performance skills and previous membership in the globally popular project girl group IZ*ONE, has officially joined a new management company.
On December 12, 2025, it was announced that the singer and dancer signed an exclusive contract with DOD (Day Of Dream), marking a fresh beginning for her career as a solo artist.
This move follows her departure from her previous agency, WM Entertainment, which occurred a few months prior in September 2025.
The signing and the simultaneous revealing of new profile photos signal a major strategic shift aimed at amplifying her career trajectory in the competitive K-pop landscape.
DOD Pledges Unwavering Support for Expanding Activities
Upon welcoming Lee Chae Yeon to their roster, DOD expressed their excitement and firm commitment to fostering her growth.
The entertainment company released a statement highlighting their belief in her potential and future success. In their official announcement, DOD stated,
“Lee Chae Yeon, who possesses a wide array of charms, has signed an exclusive contract with us.”
Lee Chae Yeon (Credit: Pinterest)
Their message to fans and the industry was clear: they plan to invest heavily in her talent. The agency pledged,
“We will be unsparing in our support of Lee Chae Yeon so that she can display her outstanding talents to her heart’s content and continue her noteworthy activities.”
This promise of comprehensive and robust support suggests that DOD aims to provide the necessary resources—from production and creative direction to promotion and scheduling—to enable Lee Chae Yeon to explore her artistic boundaries fully.
The emphasis on her “outstanding talents” particularly resonates with her reputation as one of K-pop’s most skilled dancers, implying the agency will likely capitalize on and expand her performance-focused image across various entertainment platforms.
Strategic Agency Alignment and Industry Connections
The selection of DOD as her new management home is noteworthy due to its significant affiliations within the industry.
The article points out that DOD serves as the parent company to its subsidiary, BTOB Company.
This subsidiary is the current agency for several members of the veteran boy group BTOB, specifically Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Hyunsik, and Peniel.
This strategic vertical integration could potentially offer Lee Chae Yeon benefits such as shared resources, a stable financial and operational base, and collaboration opportunities within the broader network of artists under the DOD umbrella.
Joining an agency with established, experienced idols on its roster often provides a valuable, supportive atmosphere for solo artists seeking to solidify their unique brand identity.
A Career Defined by Audition Success and Solo Work
Lee Chae Yeon has built a compelling career defined by her persistence and mastery of performance.
Her journey into the spotlight began early when she gained attention as a contestant on the reality competition program “K-Pop Star 3.”
This exposure led her to further training and eventually propelled her onto the global stage through the highly competitive “Produce 48” series.
Her successful run on the show resulted in her debut as a cherished member of the project group IZ*ONE in 2018.
IZ*ONE achieved massive global success over its tenure, solidifying Lee Chae Yeon’s position as a recognized figure in K-pop.
Following the conclusion of IZ*ONE’s activities, Lee Chae Yeon successfully transitioned to a solo career, making her official solo debut in 2022.
Her solo work has allowed her to showcase a more refined and personal artistic vision. The recently revealed set of new profile photos accompanying her contract announcement with DOD highlights this professional evolution, presenting a fresh, mature image for her new chapter.
These photos serve as a visual representation of her renewed focus and the high expectations for her upcoming music and promotional activities under her new management.
Her signing with DOD is viewed by fans and industry observers as a powerful step toward securing her status as a leading female solo artist.
