Lee Yi-kyung Suffers Severe Damage Amidst Rumor Accuser's Shifting Stance; Forced Off Shows, Image Tarnished

Actor Lee Yi-kyung has expressed severe distress due to the retracting statements of an individual who spread private life rumors about him.

Lee Yi-kyung's agency remains firm in their stance to pursue stern legal action against the accuser, as the actor's damages, both tangible and intangible, continue to escalate, drawing widespread sympathy.

It has been a month since the entertainment industry was thrown into turmoil when an individual identified as 'A', claiming to be a German woman, alleged sexual conversations with Lee Yi-kyung, including phrases hinting at sexual assault.

Initially, 'A' presented claims supporting her accusations. However, she later retracted her statements, suggesting the photos were AI-generated and indicating a willingness to take responsibility. Despite this, 'A' ultimately reverted to her original position, asserting that all evidence she provided was genuine.

"I sincerely apologize for causing confusion with the posts I made. I lied because I was scared. I lied for fear of being sued or having to pay money, which would burden me and my family," 'A' stated.

She further elaborated, "AI cannot create photos of celebrities, and I have never used AI in that way. All the evidence I posted was real. However, I do not wish to make this issue big again. I am saying this because I worry that other victims, if there are any, might have their evidence misunderstood as AI and suffer damage."

In response, Lee Yi-kyung's agency released their third official statement. "The actor and our agency have suffered extreme damage due to the malicious actions of the writer and distributors," the statement read. "We are currently confirming the progress through our legal representative and are cooperating as much as possible to ensure a swift resolution."

The tangible damages for Lee Yi-kyung include his abrupt departure from the variety show 'How Do You Play?', where he had been a cast member for three years, without even a proper farewell. His planned debut as the first single father MC on KBS2's 'The Return of Superman' was also canceled. These incidents occurring after the private life rumors surfaced are particularly unfortunate for Lee Yi-kyung.

Intangible damages are significant, impacting his image as an actor. In a profession where image is paramount, Lee Yi-kyung was known for his cheerful image in variety shows and recognized for his acting prowess across various genres. However, the spread of the private life rumors has inevitably damaged his image. The repeated shifts in the accuser's statements have only amplified suspicions, causing severe harm to Lee Yi-kyung's career as an entertainer.

Lee Yi-kyung's agency has repeatedly emphasized their strong intent to prosecute the accuser. Following the swift submission of a complaint upon learning of the incident on the 3rd, they completed their testimony. However, the process of identifying the accused and concluding the investigation is expected to take time.

Despite the time required, Lee Yi-kyung's agency stated, "We are aware that they will be held accountable regardless of location, so we plan to continue our strong, uncompromising stance without leniency, even if it takes some time."

After three statements from his agency, Lee Yi-kyung finds himself battered by the accuser's flip-flopping statements. As the severe damage continues to accumulate, attention is focused on whether Lee Yi-kyung can restore his reputation and return to the public with his signature cheerful demeanor.

Korean netizens expressed sympathy, commenting, "Poor Lee Yi-kyung. I hope the truth comes out soon," and "The accuser's attitude is baffling. I hope they proceed strongly to the end," along with words of support like, "Stay strong, actor Lee Yi-kyung!"