A YouTuber known as Short Mouth Sun (real name Kim Mi-kyung), who built a 1.7 million-strong following with mukbang videos, is facing growing allegations that she obtained and used a controlled diet drug through an unlicensed fixer ― locally dubbed a “injection aunt.” The controversy also includes claims of illegal medical procedures.
On Dec. 19, Korean outlet Dispatch published messages and witness accounts suggesting Short Mouth Sun received diet pills from a woman referred to as “A,” known as a “injection aunt” for allegedly providing injections without a medical license.
According to the report, the drug in question is believed to be phentermine ― nicknamed the “butterfly pill” in Korea ― a controlled appetite suppressant. Under Korean law, possession, use, or distribution without a doctor’s prescription can lead to criminal charges, and passing the medication to someone else can be illegal regardless of payment.
Dispatch also released KakaoTalk messages in which A allegedly told comedian Park Na-rae’s manager, “Short Mouth Sun takes it three times a day ― on heavy eating days, even four.” The outlet further claimed A would leave pills with Short Mouth Sun, who then passed them along to Park’s team.
Additional allegations say A administered IV drips and used a radiofrequency device in a private officetel apartment despite not being a licensed medical professional. Short Mouth Sun’s side has denied the accusations, stating she received anti-swelling medication from a hospital where A worked but had “no involvement with diet drugs or IV drips,” and that she believed A was a doctor at the time.
Online chatter has zeroed in on Short Mouth Sun’s dramatic transformation ― reportedly dropping about 30 kilograms from the 90-kilogram range ― with some questioning whether her weight loss stemmed from phentermine supplied by the “injection aunt” or other illegal treatments rather than exercise, as previously claimed.
Earlier on the 19th, Short Mouth Sun posted a statement on her YouTube channel announcing a hiatus. “I’m reflecting on the controversies and allegations raised,” she said, adding that if she did anything wrong, she would acknowledge it and not evade responsibility. She apologized and said she would step down from all current programs and suspend upcoming activities.
Police are reportedly reviewing whether to open an investigation into potential illegal medical practices and the distribution of controlled substances.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)