'Hangout With Yoo?' Under Fire for Lee Yi-kyung's Controversial Exit

MBC's popular variety show 'Hangout With Yoo?' is facing heavy criticism regarding the circumstances of actor Lee Yi-kyung's departure.

Critics argue that the show failed to protect its cast members, instead shifting responsibility onto Lee Yi-kyung, who found himself at the center of controversy. This situation has also sparked debate about a double standard in cast management, especially when contrasted with chef Baek Jong-won's return to broadcasting.

Lee Yi-kyung himself took to social media on the 21st to reveal the details of the private life rumors and his exit process. He claimed, "Even though it was proven to be fabricated within a day, I was still asked to leave the show. We then chose to step down voluntarily," directly contradicting the production team's stated reason of "scheduling conflicts."

Lee Yi-kyung's account sheds light on the behind-the-scenes realities of variety show production. He previously disclosed that during the 'noodle slurping' controversy, despite his reluctance, "the production team insisted, saying they had rented out the restaurant, and my comment 'We're doing this for variety' was edited out." The fallout from that incident was entirely borne by Lee Yi-kyung.

Furthermore, the stark contrast between Lee Yi-kyung's situation and Baek Jong-won's comeback with 'Chef of the Antarctic' amidst his own controversies highlights inconsistencies in the show's criteria for keeping or removing participants.

In response, the 'Hangout With Yoo?' production team admitted on the 22nd, "The noodle slurping scene was our oversight in failing to protect the cast member." They further clarified, "The offer to step down was true, and the voluntary departure due to schedule was decided in consultation with his agency."

Lee Yi-kyung's departure controversy has also ensnared Yoo Jae-suk. In the broadcast on the 8th, Yoo Jae-suk explained, "Lee Yi-kyung has worked hard with us for about three years. Due to numerous drama and film schedules, after coordinating with our production team, he decided to leave 'Hangout With Yoo?' after these schedules."

This statement conflicts with Lee Yi-kyung's claim of being asked to leave. Some netizens have defended Yoo Jae-suk, suggesting, "Yoo Jae-suk probably just read lines written by the scriptwriters."

Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung is accelerating legal action against those spreading the private life rumors. He stated, "A warrant will be issued soon, and the suspect will be identified. Even if I'm in Germany, I will personally go and submit the complaint. There will be no leniency for malicious commenters," effectively signaling a 'pursuit of defamation charges abroad,' as the accuser is reportedly based overseas.

Netizens expressed frustration, commenting, "Isn't the production team too irresponsible in managing their cast?", "In the end, actor Lee Yi-kyung was just made a scapegoat," and "It's such a stark contrast to the Baek Jong-won case."