Hong Jin-young denies close ties with alleged illegal medical provider

연합뉴스 / 2025-12-23 10:26:09

▲ This photo of South Korean singer Hong Jin-young is provided by her agency, IMH Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 23 (Yonhap) -- Singer Hong Jin-young has denied having any personal ties with a woman nicknamed “Injection Aunt,” who is accused of providing illegal medical services, after a photo of the two together surfaced on a YouTube channel.

Her agency, IMH Entertainment, said Tuesday that the photo was taken around 12 years ago, during Hong’s promotions following her hit song "Love Battery" and later activities with "Boogie Man."

“Based on the accompanying content, the photo appears to have been taken at a hospital roughly 12 years ago,” the agency said.

Hong herself said she has no recollection of the woman in the photo, noting that the image dates back too far.

“Over the course of her career, Hong Jin-young has taken numerous promotional photos at the request of various products, brands and hospitals,” the agency said. “She does not remember visiting that particular hospital, as it was a long time ago.”

The agency stressed that Hong does not follow the woman on social media and has no personal relationship with her.

The controversy has spread in the entertainment industry, with several celebrities, including comedian Park Na-rae and SHINee’s Key, suspending activities after allegations surfaced that they received illegal medical services from the woman.