SEOUL, Dec. 17 -- SHINee's Key will step down from all current programmes after being linked to allegations involving unauthorised medical services, following a controversy surrounding an individual known as Ms. Lee.

In a statementtoday, SM Entertainment said Key had been introduced to Ms. Lee at a Gangnam hospital and believed she was a licensed doctor, according to

"Believing Ms. Lee to be a physician - and with Ms. Lee offering no indication to the contrary - Key did not realize that receiving care at home could be problematic."

Key was drawn into the issue after posts on Ms. Lee's social media showed his pet dogs and messages exchanged with him, prompting speculation over whether he had received unauthorised medical treatments such...