Lee Yi-kyung's Privacy Scandal Creates Tension for His Variety Shows

Actor Lee Yi-kyung is currently embroiled in a privacy violation scandal, causing significant concern for the numerous programs he is appearing on.

Multiple broadcast industry insiders told OSEN on the 21st that regarding the allegations surrounding Lee Yi-kyung's personal life, "No separate response has been decided yet, and we are monitoring the situation."

The controversy began on the 20th when posts accusing Lee Yi-kyung of privacy violations spread across social media and online communities. A netizen claiming to be a German woman shared alleged message screenshots with Lee Yi-kyung on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), starting from a Naver blog.

The accuser claimed to have engaged in sexually explicit conversations with Lee Yi-kyung, even mentioning rape, and stated that she gathered evidence due to fear and planned to expose his true character.

However, Lee Yi-kyung's agency, Sangyoung Entertainment, has denied the accusations and announced legal action. The agency stated, "Regarding the matter recently posted and disseminated on online communities and social media, we are preparing legal measures against the damages caused by the spread of false information and malicious rumors."

They further emphasized, "Given the seriousness of this matter, we will calculate the direct and indirect damages from the spread of false information and take all necessary actions. Posting, as well as indiscriminate distribution, are subject to legal action, so please be mindful to avoid unnecessary harm."

The agency also claimed this was not the first instance of threats, stating that the accuser had previously demanded money from the agency months prior. Lee Yi-kyung's side asserted that the accuser had admitted to falsehoods and sent an apology email at that time, but the same content was posted again online.

Although the initial Naver blog post was deleted, seemingly bringing the situation to a close, the accuser has continued her accusations, releasing a video that appears to record messages sent to Lee Yi-kyung's social media account to add credibility.

Lee Yi-kyung is currently a cast member on MBC's 'What Do You Play?', tvN's 'Handsome Guys', ENA and SBS Plus's 'SOLO' and 'Jijigo Bokgoigo Yeohaeng', and E Channel's 'Brave Detectives 4'. His recent confirmation to join KBS 2TV's 'The Return of Superman' has put all broadcast stations on high alert.

However, representatives from each program stated, "As of the 21st, we are trusting the agency's initial official statement and waiting," and "There are no separate response plans. Unless the situation changes based on the cast member's response, there will be no changes to the program's plans."

Netizens are urging caution, with comments like, "We need to wait for the agency's official statement," and "If it's true, it's very disappointing, but I hope he's not being wrongly accused." Some also added, "If the evidence is solid, it's a problem, but if it's false, they should take strong legal action."