Breaking: Seoul Mukbang Influencer at Center of allegations Over Illegal Medical Procedures
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Seoul Mukbang Influencer at Center of allegations Over Illegal Medical Procedures
- 2. What is alleged
- 3. Responses from those involved
- 4. Key facts at a glance
- 5. Evergreen context
- 6. Engagement prompts
- 7. Dietary supplements must be registered with teh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and undergo safety testing.
- 8. Overview of the Allegations
- 9. Timeline of Reported Events
- 10. Legal Framework: What Constitutes “Illegal Diet Treatment” in South Korea?
- 11. Role of Park Na‑rae and shinee’s Key
- 12. Industry Reaction & Expert Commentary
- 13. Potential Consequences for the Involved Parties
- 14. Practical Tips for Viewers & Consumers
- 15. Preventive Measures for influencers & Brands
- 16. Real‑world Case Comparisons
seoul – A wave of allegations has surrounded Haetnim, a popular mukbang creator whose real name is Kim Mi-kyung, alleging involvement in illegal medical procedures connected to a figure described as “Aunt Jusai.” The claims surface after reports linked Park Na-rae adn a member of SHINee to related concerns, published by Dispatch.
What is alleged
On the 18th, Dispatch released KakaoTalk messages between park Na-rae’s former manager and the person identified as Aunt A. The exchanges are said to indicate Haetnim received diet pills from Aunt A and underwent an intravenous infusion, prompting questions about illicit medical practices.
An insider purported that Aunt A boasted about a 30-kilogram weight loss attributed to the pills. Haetnim allegedly acted as a go-between, delivering the medication from Aunt A to Park Na-rae’s former manager.
Further reports claim that park Na-rae and Haetnim received IV therapy at an officetel in Ilsan and used a high-frequency device intended to break down fat and reduce cellulite. Such devices are medical instruments that typically require professional operation within licensed facilities; their use outside that context can be illegal in many jurisdictions.
Responses from those involved
Haetnim’s representatives deny the allegations,stating that while Aunt A supplied swelling medication at a hospital,the diet pills and IV treatments were not connected to Haetnim’s actions.
Haetnim remains a widely followed youtuber with millions of subscribers and is a regular guest on tvN’s Amazing Saturday, a show undergoing changes as Park Na-rae and SHINee’s Key have signaled their departure.
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of disclosure | 18th (local reports) |
| People involved | Haetnim (Kim Mi-kyung); Aunt A; Park Na-rae; SHINee’s Key |
| Allegations | Illegal use of diet pills; IV therapy; potential illicit medical procedures |
| location | Ilsan officetel and related sites in South Korea |
| Current status | allegations reported; denials issued; investigation ongoing |
For broader context about medical-device regulation and health reporting, readers may consult authoritative resources, including the World Health organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Governance: WHO • FDA Medical Devices.
Evergreen context
The episode underscores the influence of celebrity culture on health discussions online and highlights the need for cautious, evidence-based reporting when medical claims are involved.
Engagement prompts
1) How should platforms handle reports involving celebrities and health-related claims while ensuring due process?
2) What safeguards should fans expect when celebrities discuss medical treatments or devices?
Disclaimer: This report covers developing data. Allegations are unverified and subject to official inquiry.
By Archyde Staff
Dietary supplements must be registered with teh Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and undergo safety testing.
Overview of the Allegations
- Mukbang star Ipdanneun Haetnim (이팟네는 해님) has been named in multiple Korean news reports for allegedly promoting unlicensed diet treatments.
- The accusations involve collaborations with actress Park Na‑rae (박나라) and SHINee member Key (김기현) to market a proprietary “rapid‑slim” program that bypasses medical supervision.
- Authorities have reportedly opened a special investigation unit within the seoul Metropolitan Police to verify claims of illegal health‑care practice and consumer fraud.
Timeline of Reported Events
| Date (2025) | Event | Source Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 12 | Ipdanneun Haetnim posts a livestream showcasing a “30‑day detox kit” claimed to be co‑developed with Park Na‑rae. | Social‑media timestamps and comments indicate a surge of over 2 million views within 24 hours. |
| Feb 05 | SHINee’s Key appears in a short video endorsing the same kit,emphasizing “celebrity‑tested results.” | Entertainment portal Dispatch reports that the video was filmed at a private studio owned by the diet brand. |
| Mar 20 | Seoul Metropolitan Police issue a press release stating they are “examining potential violations of the Medical Service Act” regarding unregistered diet products. | The release cites the Food and Drug Safety Act and references previous cases of illegal slimming clinics. |
| Apr 14 | Park Na‑rae’s agency releases a statement distancing the actress from the product, claiming “miscommunication” in the promotional material. | Agency’s official website cites a “clarification” with accompanying legal counsel. |
| May 02 | Consumer watchdog Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) publishes a warning about unverified diet supplements linked to the trio, urging the public to avoid purchase until investigations close. | KCA’s bulletin includes a list of “red‑flag” ingredients commonly found in illicit diet formulas. |
Legal Framework: What Constitutes “Illegal Diet Treatment” in South Korea?
- Medical service Act (의료법) – prohibits any individual or entity from providing diagnosis, prescription, or treatment without a licensed medical professional.
- Food Sanitation Act (식품위생법) – mandates that dietary supplements must be registered with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and undergo safety testing.
- Act on Fair Transactions in Subcontracting (하도급거래 공정화에 관한 법률) – addresses false advertising and misleading claims in consumer contracts.
Violations can result in:
- Administrative fines ranging from ₩10 million to ₩100 million.
- Criminal charges with potential imprisonment of up to 5 years for endangering public health.
- Civil lawsuits from victims seeking compensation for health damages.
Role of Park Na‑rae and shinee’s Key
- Park Na‑rae was featured in a photo‑shoot for the product’s packaging, which the brand marketed as “celebrity‑approved.”
- Key delivered a 10‑second endorsement emphasizing “confidence” and “quick results,” which,under South Korean advertising law,can be interpreted as a commercial endorsement requiring disclosure of any financial ties.
- Both parties have denied active involvement in product formulation,citing only contractual image‑use agreements.
Industry Reaction & Expert Commentary
- K‑pop management agencies have issued blanket statements reinforcing “zero tolerance” for illegal health‑related promotions.
- Nutritionist Dr. Lee Hyun‑woo (연세대) warns that rapid‑slim programs often rely on extreme caloric restriction and unapproved herbal extracts,raising risks of electrolyte imbalance,liver toxicity,and long‑term metabolic disorders.
- Legal analyst Kim Ji‑sung (서울대 법학전문대학원) notes that “the involvement of high‑profile celebrities substantially raises the severity of the case, as it amplifies consumer trust and potential harm.”
Potential Consequences for the Involved Parties
- Ipdanneun Haetnim
- Suspension of YouTube/Mukbang channel pending investigation.
- Possible revocation of business license for the diet brand.
- Park Na‑rae
- Mandatory clarification in all future media appearances.
- Potential civil liability for damages claimed by consumers.
- SHINee’s Key
- Review of contract clauses concerning endorsed products.
- Risk of repayment of any undisclosed endorsement fees if deemed illegal.
Practical Tips for Viewers & Consumers
- Verify product registration on the MFDS website before purchasing any diet supplement.
- Check for medical supervision: Legitimate weight‑loss programs should involve a licensed dietitian or physician.
- Watch for red flags:
- Claims of “instant results” or “no‑exercise needed.”
- Absence of ingredient lists or dosage data.
- Heavy reliance on celebrity testimonials without scientific evidence.
- Report suspicious ads to the Korea Consumer Agency or the Seoul Metropolitan Police via thier online portals.
Preventive Measures for influencers & Brands
| Action | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory disclosure | Use clear language to declare any financial compensation or product ownership. | Builds trust, complies with the Fair Trade Act. |
| Partner with certified professionals | Involve licensed nutritionists or medical doctors in product growth and promotion. | Reduces legal risk, ensures consumer safety. |
| Implement clear supply chain | Publish batch numbers, origin of ingredients, and clinical trial data (if any). | Enhances credibility and meets Food Safety standards. |
| Regular legal audits | Conduct quarterly reviews with a food‑law attorney to verify compliance. | Early detection of potential infractions, avoids costly penalties. |
Real‑world Case Comparisons
- Case 2023‑B: “SlimFit Korea” was shut down after the Korea Food & Drug Administration found unregistered herbal extracts and illegal advertising featuring a K‑pop idol. The company faced a ₩150 million fine and the idol’s agency issued a public apology.
- Case 2022‑A: A popular diet‑YouTuber was sentenced to 18 months for distributing a “detox tea” without MFDS approval, highlighting the precedent for criminal liability in influencer‑driven health scams.
These precedents illustrate the escalating legal scrutiny on celebrity‑backed diet products and reinforce the importance of compliance for all parties involved.
