‘What Do You Play?’ PD Kim Jin-yong Explains Lee Yi-kyung's Departure: “Regarding His Farewell…”

Actor Lee Yi-kyung is set to leave MBC's entertainment show ‘What Do You Play?’ after three years, a decision that has saddened fans. Amid concerns that he might depart without a proper farewell, the show's main director, Kim Jin-yong, has personally addressed the reasons behind his exit.

In an exclusive interview with OSEN on the 4th, PD Kim Jin-yong stated, "At the beginning of this week's broadcast, the three members Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, and Joo Woo-jae will officially bid farewell to Lee Yi-kyung." He added, "We will have a conversation together before starting the 'In.Sa.Mo' project."

He emphasized that Lee Yi-kyung's departure was not sudden. "While the recording schedule is known to be every Thursday, it proceeds flexibly depending on the schedules of guests and cast members," he explained. "Lee Yi-kyung did his best to stay with ‘What Do You Play?’ amidst his busy acting career, but recently, conflicting overseas schedules made it difficult to continue simultaneously."

PD Kim also mentioned that instead of a separate farewell special, they decided it was best to focus on the ongoing filming of the 'In.Sa.Mo' general meeting. "We plan to sufficiently include the members' greetings to Lee Yi-kyung in the main broadcast," he said. "Viewers will be able to feel the sentiment of having been together until the end."

Meanwhile, recent false rumors about Lee Yi-kyung that spread online were revealed to be AI-generated fabrications, and his agency has announced a strong stance against those spreading the misinformation.

Upon hearing the news of Lee Yi-kyung's departure after three years of energizing ‘What Do You Play?’, viewers are expressing their regret while also sending cheers for his future endeavors.

Netizens are reacting to Lee Yi-kyung's departure from ‘What Do You Play?’ with comments like, “Thank you for your hard work over the past three years. I’ll continue to support you,” “It’s so sad that he’s leaving without a proper farewell. I hope he succeeds as an actor though,” and “Looking forward to seeing your new sides!”