Lee Yi-kyung Reveals 'How Do You Play?' Production Team's Conflict, Receives Apology Amidst Rumor Controversy

Actor Lee Yi-kyung has revealed a conflict with the production team of MBC's variety show 'How Do You Play?' after facing a personal rumor scandal, leading to his consecutive departures from broadcasts.

On the 21st, Lee Yi-kyung directly addressed the recent rumors and the background of his program departures via social media. Previously, an individual claiming to be a German woman, identified as 'A', posted private and sexual conversations and photos with Lee Yi-kyung, causing a significant stir. However, his agency immediately responded by stating they were 'false facts' and initiated legal action.

Amidst the escalating controversy, Lee Yi-kyung exited 'How Do You Play?' and also withdrew from his planned appearance on 'The Return of Superman'. He stated on social media, "I completed my statement as the accuser at the Seoul Gangnam Police Station. I felt great indignation due to baseless rumors." He further explained, "The person claiming to be German had been sending threatening emails for months. Although they claimed it was fabricated within a day, the aftermath led me to be asked to leave the shows," clarifying that his departure was at the production team's suggestion, not his own volition.

He also brought up the past 'slurping controversy'. "I said I didn't want to do it, but they asked me to borrow the noodle house, and my line, 'I'm doing this for variety,' was edited out," he lamented. "After the controversy arose, the production team only said they were 'in a hurry,' and I had to bear all the criticism alone." He revealed that regarding 'The Return of Superman', he was told only VCR filming would occur, but he learned of his replacement through news reports.

Following Lee Yi-kyung's revelations, the 'How Do You Play?' production team issued an official statement on the day of the broadcast, admitting their fault. Regarding the slurping controversy, the team acknowledged, "It was the production team's oversight not to protect the cast member," and "In our eagerness for entertainment, we lacked proper consideration during the editing process."

Despite the production team's explanation, viewer reactions remain cold. Online communities and social media are filled with criticism such as, "If Lee Yi-kyung's account is true, the production team was too irresponsible," and "The system of shifting blame to the cast member when controversy arises needs to change."

Netizens have reacted with comments like, "He must have felt wronged," "They should have apologized sooner," and "Disappointed with the production team's attitude," showing support for Lee Yi-kyung.