Lee Yi-kyung Breaks Silence on Sasaeng Rumors and Broadcast Woes: 'Couldn't Sleep Due to Injustice'

Actor Lee Yi-kyung has finally spoken out about the severe distress caused by personal privacy rumors.

On the 21st, he officially announced his legal action against the disseminators of these rumors by revealing a complaint. He also candidly shared his disappointment with variety shows he had appeared on.

According to the complaint Lee Yi-kyung disclosed, the plaintiff is Lee Yi-kyung and the defendant is an unidentified individual, accused of 'intimidation and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act.' He explained, 'I recently completed my investigation as the plaintiff at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul. I couldn't issue a statement during the criminal proceedings due to my agency's request.'

He further elaborated, 'Someone claiming to be German repeatedly sent threatening emails to the company before disappearing. I was filled with rage every moment. If a warrant is issued, the suspect will be identified, and if they are in Germany, I will go there myself to file the complaint. There will be no leniency for malicious commenters either,' he stated with a firm stance.

However, the impact on his broadcasting activities during the controversy was not insignificant. Lee Yi-kyung revealed he first learned of his departure from 'Hangout with Yoo?' through news reports. 'Even though it was proven to be fabricated within a day, I was advised to leave the variety show, and we had no choice but to choose voluntary withdrawal,' he said. He also expressed significant regret upon learning about the failed casting for KBS's 'The Return of Superman' MC position through an external news outlet.

During this process, the past 'mukbang' (eating broadcast) controversy, specifically the 'noodle-slurping incident,' was brought up again. Lee Yi-kyung emphasized, 'During the noodle-slurping controversy, I clearly said, 'I don't want to do it.' The production team asked, saying they rented out the noodle restaurant,' he recounted. 'My line, 'We are doing this as a variety show,' was edited out. Afterward, all the controversy was left for me to bear, and it greatly damaged my image,' he appealed.

This statement reignited the 'ugly noodle slurping' meme that circulated in the past. The scene, performed in front of actor Shim Eun-kyung, became a meme, generating explosive reactions online as 'a failed blind date guy' or 'noodle slurping a pigeon wouldn't do.' At the time, Lee Yi-kyung dramatically initiated the 'noodle slurping show,' upgraded with cold soybean noodle soup, and after the embarrassing moment of soybean soup splashing his face, he only heard 'good job' from the older members.

Lee Yi-kyung's exposé brings renewed attention to the coercion, pressure, and editing issues hidden behind the 'variety show character.'

Korean netizens have rallied behind Lee Yi-kyung, with comments flooding in such as, 'Actor Lee Yi-kyung, stay strong! We'll cheer you on until the end!' and 'I really hope the malicious commenters get punished.' Many also expressed sympathy for his forced departure from broadcast programs.