(C) Koreaboo

The South Korean entertainment industry is facing a wave of scrutiny as allegations of illegal medical practices among high-profile celebrities continue to broaden. At the center of the latest controversy is veteran broadcaster Jun Hyun-moo, who recently released medical records to counter allegations that he received unauthorized intravenous (IV) treatment—commonly referred to as "Ringer’s" drips—outside of a clinical setting.

On December 23, 2025, Jun’s agency, SM C&C, issued a detailed statement accompanied by objective evidence, including copies of medical records and hospital revenue statistics. The agency explained that because the incident occurred approximately nine years ago, a rigorous verification process was required to retrieve official documents. "We present these records to prove that the medical treatments in question were legitimate, supervised by professionals, and conducted within legal boundaries," the agency stated.

The controversy stems from a 2016 episode of the popular MBC reality show I Live Alone, which recently resurfaced on online communities. In the footage, Jun is seen receiving an IV drip while traveling in a vehicle. The scene sparked public outcry and a formal petition through the Sinmungo (the national civil petition portal), leading the Seoul Gangnam Police Station to launch an investigation into whether the procedure violated the Medical Service Act, which generally prohibits medical acts outside of authorized medical institutions.

According to the released records, Jun received treatment on January 14, 20, and 26, 2016, for ailments including pharyngitis, laryngitis, and gastroesophageal reflux. The agency clarified that the IV drip was a supplementary measure prescribed by a doctor to administer antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. They further emphasized that on January 26, Jun returned to the hospital to dispose of medical waste as instructed by the staff, a detail aimed at proving the professional oversight of the process.

"The treatment was an extension of a legitimate medical diagnosis," the agency noted. "Due to a tight filming schedule, the doctor determined it was necessary to conclude the procedure during transit. This was a clinical decision, not an unauthorized act."

The timing of this investigation is particularly sensitive. The entertainment industry is currently reeling from the fallout of the "Nurse Auntie" (Jusa-imo) scandal. This case involves an unlicensed individual, identified as Ms. Lee, who allegedly provided illegal medical injections to several celebrities at their homes or private studios. Prominent figures including comedian Park Na-rae, YouTuber Ip-jjal-beun Haet-nim, and Key of the boy group SHINee have already suspended their activities following similar allegations of involvement with Ms. Lee.

While Jun’s case appears to be a separate matter involving a licensed physician, the public remains skeptical of the "special treatment" culture within the celebrity circle. Legal experts suggest that even if a doctor prescribes a treatment, performing it in a moving vehicle remains a gray area under the Medical Service Act, which emphasizes patient safety and sterile environments.

As the Gangnam Police continue their inquiry, the outcome of Jun Hyun-moo’s case is expected to serve as a significant precedent for how the law interprets medical necessity versus convenience for public figures. For now, Jun maintains a firm stance of innocence, promising full cooperation with judicial authorities to clear his name.

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