Lee Yi-kyung Breaks Silence on 'Personal Rumor' Controversy: Claims Show Departure Was Not Voluntary

The swirling personal rumor surrounding actor Lee Yi-kyung has become increasingly complex, with repeated retractions and subsequent legal proceedings initiated by the accuser. Now, Lee Yi-kyung himself has stepped forward with a lengthy statement, asserting that his departure from variety shows was not a voluntary decision, sending ripples through the entertainment industry.

The controversy began when an overseas netizen, identified as 'A', claimed to be German and released sexually suggestive messages allegedly exchanged with Lee Yi-kyung. However, A retracted the claims within three days, stating the messages were AI-generated. Following the news of Lee Yi-kyung's departure from his programs, A resurfaced, retracting the AI claim and insisting the evidence was genuine.

A continued to create confusion by issuing further conflicting statements, including one on the 19th where A confessed to lying out of fear of legal and financial repercussions, only to shift their stance again. This pattern of accusation, retraction, and re-accusation has fueled the ongoing turmoil.

In response, Lee Yi-kyung's agency, Sangyoung ENT, immediately announced legal action. "We have filed a lawsuit against the perpetrator of false information, A, for defamation and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act," the agency stated. "We submitted the complaint within three days of becoming aware of the incident and have completed the complainant's investigation. We will take strong action against all malicious writers and distributors, both domestically and internationally."

Lee Yi-kyung, who had remained silent until now, finally addressed the situation on his personal social media on the 21st. He explained his silence, stating, "It was at the request of the agency to refrain from making a statement until the legal proceedings were concluded." He then declared, "I completed my investigation as the complainant at the Gangnam Police Station a few days ago. We will take strong action against threats and defamation by false factual allegations."

Perhaps the most significant point of contention is the process of his departure from the variety shows. Lee Yi-kyung revealed, "Despite the 'AI manipulation' being exposed in just one day, I received a 'suggestion to leave' from the show. We were left with no choice but to opt for a voluntary departure." He expressed his bitterness, saying, "I had to leave a program I'd been with for three years without even a proper goodbye, and I found out about it through news articles."

Regarding 'The Return of Superman,' he confessed, "I was told I would only appear in VCR segments, but ultimately, I learned about my replacement through news articles as well."

Furthermore, Lee Yi-kyung pointed fingers at the production team regarding the past controversy of 'ugly noodle mukbang' (eating noodles without making noise). "I told them I didn't want to do it, but they asked me to film it, saying they had rented the noodle restaurant," he explained. "My comment, 'We're doing this for entertainment,' was edited out, and I had to bear the brunt of the controversy alone."

Netizens' reactions are divided, with some arguing, "Didn't they violate basic ethics after three years together?" while others suggest, "Let's wait for the broadcasters' statements." Upon hearing Lee Yi-kyung's revelations, online comments included sentiments like "It's unethical to let go of a member you've been with for three years like this" and "If this is true, it's truly shocking." Conversely, others commented, "At this point, MBC and KBS should issue statements too," and "Let's wait, as there hasn't been an official announcement from the broadcasters yet."

Lee Yi-kyung confirmed that his current schedules, including film 'The Seafall', Vietnamese film, and overseas dramas, are proceeding without changes. He expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am thankful to my fans who believe in and wait for me, and to my colleagues who have kept their loyalty."

The official stances of MBC and KBS are emerging as key variables that will determine the next phase of this situation. Attention is focused on the additional impact Lee Yi-kyung's confession will have, caught between personal rumors and the realities of broadcast production. 'How Do You Play?' stated, "The noodle-eating situation was a lapse in judgment by the production team for not protecting the cast member. Given that the personal rumor incident is proliferating through the media, and considering the nature of a variety show that must deliver laughter every week, we judged that it would be difficult to continue together, so we first suggested he leave." Meanwhile, the controversy deepens as Lee Yi-kyung's criminal lawsuit proceeds regarding the A's fabricated personal rumor incident, intertwining the truthfulness of A's claims with issues of transparency in the variety show departure process.

Netizens are expressing sympathy and urging for the truth to be revealed, commenting, "Isn't it unfair to let go of a member you've been with for three years?" and "I hope the truth comes out quickly."