Lee Yi-kyung's Departure from 'How Do You Play?' - Edited Out of Preview, PD Kim Jin-yong Promises Farewell Segment

Actor Lee Yi-kyung's departure from MBC's variety show 'How Do You Play?' has been confirmed, with his absence in the latest preview leaving fans disappointed. The newest preview released on the 4th revealed the lineup for the 'Unpopular People's Club' (Insamo) special, but Lee Yi-kyung was nowhere to be seen.

During the preview, host Yoo Jae-suk introduced the new members, describing them as individuals whose popularity doesn't match their fame, and Lee Yi-kyung was noticeably excluded. The video's hashtags, only mentioning 'Yoo Jae-suk, Haha, Joo Woo-jae', further solidify the sentiment that his exit is official.

Netizens expressed their sadness, with comments like "It's heartbreaking to see a beloved member 'deleted at light speed' even from the preview" and "It feels so hollow to leave without a proper goodbye." Amidst speculation that Lee Yi-kyung was entirely removed from the cast list, statements from the show's main producer, Kim Jin-yong, have resurfaced.

In an exclusive interview with OSEN on the 4th, PD Kim Jin-yong stated, "In the opening 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 planned a segment to share warm stories before diving into the 'Insamo' project."

He further explained the production team's decision: "Lee Yi-kyung's overseas schedules as an actor overlapped, making it difficult to continue. Instead of creating a separate special for his farewell, we decided to conclude his appearance naturally through the opening segment."

Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung recently faced AI 합성 rumors, which were proven false, leading his agency to pursue legal action. As he embarks on a new chapter after the controversy, attention is focused on how he will bid farewell to 'How Do You Play?' with a warm send-off from the cast.

With viewers showing support and saying, "Let's witness the farewell of a cherished member," 'How Do You Play?' is set to reveal the final traces of Lee Yi-kyung in its 'Insamo General Meeting' special on the 8th, urging restraint from premature speculation and encouraging anticipation for the production team's planned segment.

Korean netizens are expressing sadness over Lee Yi-kyung's departure, with many commenting, 'It's a shame to see him go, especially being edited out of the preview,' and 'I hope his farewell is handled warmly.' There's also a sentiment of trust in the production team's announcement, with many urging others to wait and see how the farewell segment unfolds.