Lee Yi-kyung's Rumor Spreader Faces Investigation; Court Issues Search Warrant for Social Media Accounts

Investigations into the individual who spread malicious rumors and blackmailed actor Lee Yi-kyung are set to intensify, as the court has issued a search warrant for the suspect's social media accounts.

On the 24th, a media outlet reported that the court approved the warrant on the 21st for the SNS accounts of individual A, accused of spreading the rumors. Police plan to obtain IP and log data from A's domestic portal sites and international X (formerly Twitter) accounts.

Last month, A released alleged private conversations with Lee Yi-kyung, believed to be from mobile messenger and SNS direct messages, via Naver Blog and X. The revealed dialogues contained shocking claims of Lee Yi-kyung using explicit language and expressions implying sexual offenses without hesitation.

Lee Yi-kyung's agency vehemently denied the allegations, stating they were 'groundless' and promising strong legal action. Subsequently, A claimed the content was AI-manipulated and deleted the posts, seemingly putting the matter to rest as a misunderstanding.

However, as legal proceedings took time, doubts resurfaced about the authenticity of A's claims. Furthermore, A repeatedly posted and deleted content, insisting it was not fabricated, which amplified suspicions surrounding Lee Yi-kyung.

Consequently, Lee Yi-kyung's side reiterated their decision to pursue legal action. On the 21st, Lee Yi-kyung personally posted a lengthy statement on social media, expressing his distress. He revealed that an individual claiming to be a German national, whose identity is unknown, had sent threatening emails to his company months prior.

Adding to the distress, Lee Yi-kyung mentioned being advised to voluntarily step down from MBC's variety show 'How Do You Play?' and confessed to feeling wronged during the 'mukbang slurping controversy.' He also confirmed his departure from the upcoming KBS 2TV show 'The Return of Superman' through news reports, further deepening the public's sympathy.

Netizens have rallied around Lee Yi-kyung, with comments like 'Hope he doesn't suffer unfairness anymore,' 'The truth must be revealed,' and 'He must have had a tough time, celebrities are human too.'