Making a Comeback to the Music Industry After the Controversy… Will SHINee’s Key Win Public Sympathy? [N Focus]

(Seoul=News1) Reporter Kim Min-ji = As Key, who had paused his activities over the "needle aunt controversy," returns to SHINee, attention is focused on whether he can win public sympathy.

SHINee will release their 6th mini album, "Atmos," on June 1 through various music sites and return to the music scene as a full group. It will be about one year since SHINee last released new music, following the single "Poet | Artist" in May last year. Ahead of the new album release, SHINee will also meet fans by holding their eighth solo concert, "The Trilogy I - 2026 SHINee World VIII: [The Invert]," for three days from May 29 to 31 at KSPO DOME in Seoul Olympic Park (formerly the Gymnastics Arena).

Before their full-scale comeback, SHINee released a schedule film on their official SNS on the 11th. In the video, SHINee's Key appears as a weathercaster and gives a detailed explanation of the team's schedule leading up to the album release. His bright appearance drew attention. With this, Key's return to entertainment activities has been made official.

Last December, Key was embroiled in allegations that he had received illegal medical treatment from a woman surnamed Lee, known as the "needle aunt." After that, Key remained silent about the matter for nearly ten days while carrying out an overseas tour schedule and posting selfies on SNS, and public suspicion only grew. Then, on December 17, his agency SM Entertainment released a statement explaining that Key had visited a hospital through an acquaintance's introduction and first came to know the "needle aunt" as a doctor. The statement said that he later received treatment at the hospital from time to time, and when visits became difficult, he had also received treatment at home several times. The agency added that after learning belatedly that Lee was not a doctor, Key was also confused, and that he was reflecting on his ignorance.

Key's side acknowledged that "illegal medical treatment" had taken place, but explained that it was not something he had intentionally known and done. Even so, recognizing the seriousness of the matter, he said he would step down from all programs he was appearing on. At the time, Key was removed from tvN's "Amazing Saturday" and MBC's "I Live Alone," where he had been a fixed member, and some YouTube content that had been scheduled for upload was never released.

After spending time in self-reflection, Key officially announced his return to activities with SHINee after about six months. However, once the news and schedule film were released, a "war of words" broke out among netizens. Some argued that returning about six months after suspending activities could hardly be called "self-reflection," saying he had simply taken a short break and prepared SHINee's album. On the other hand, others countered that while Key had admitted to the "illegal medical treatment," he too had been deceived by the "needle aunt," and since there was no legal risk involved, there should be no problem with his return.

Amid the noise surrounding Key's comeback, can he win public sympathy and support by returning to the music scene just months after self-reflection?

One music industry insider said, "Patients are not subject to punishment, but the fact remains that he received an 'illegal medical service.' There is no fixed length for a 'period of reflection,' but considering public sentiment, Key's return feels too soon. It might have been better if he had shown a more cautious attitude." Another industry figure said, "It's true that the self-reflection period was short, so it's only natural that public opinion is not favorable."

Even so, they agreed that since the comeback has already been decided, what matters most is what attitude Key shows going forward. One source said, "No matter the circumstances, since he's decided to come back, I think what's important is what kind of image he shows after returning. He should demonstrate sincerity and show genuine remorse," while another music figure said, "Showing sincerity after returning is important. The point at which a true comeback is successful is determined by fans and the public."

They also said that returning through SHINee activities was a wise choice. One source commented, "SHINee is the biggest support system for Key, and group activities are planned and carried out according to a schedule, so it doesn't seem like it's being pushed too hard. It's the most stable way to return." The source added, "It looks like Key's activities will naturally begin to pick up again."