On November 3, Lee Yi Kyung’s agency Sangyoung ENT released an official statement confirming that they had submitted evidence to the Gangnam Police Station and completed a formal complaint for defamation and the distribution of false information.
The agency declared a firm stance, stating, “There has been no attempt or discussion of any settlement or compensation with the rumor spreader, and there never will be. We will continue to take strong legal action without leniency against any acts that damage the actor’s reputation.”
The incident began on October 19 when a foreign netizen, who identified herself as a German woman, posted an exposé online claiming she had exchanged sexually explicit messages with Lee Yi Kyung. She uploaded screenshots of alleged KakaoTalk and Instagram messages containing suggestive content, which quickly spread across online communities.
Following the agency’s immediate response and legal warning, the user deleted the post but continued to escalate the issue, accusing the agency of lying and releasing a supposed video verification of Lee Yi Kyung’s account while stating she was “gathering more evidence.”
However, just a few days later, on October 22, the woman abruptly issued a public apology. She admitted, “It all started as a joke. I didn’t expect it to spread so widely. As I kept writing and using AI-generated images, I began to believe it myself. I’m truly sorry for spreading false rumors about actor Lee Yi Kyung.”
Her confession revealed that the images were indeed AI fabrications, leading to a dramatic turnaround in public opinion.
Outraged netizens condemned the spreader’s actions, commenting, “You ruined someone’s life as a joke,” and “AI manipulation is a serious crime.” Many supported Lee Yi Kyung’s firm legal stance, urging, “There should be no leniency,” and “This case must set an example in the AI misinformation era.”
Despite the controversy, Lee Yi Kyung’s entertainment activities have continued as planned. On November 1, producers of the ENA and SBS Plus reality show “I’m Solo” confirmed that he filmed as scheduled, serving as MC.
However, on November 4, MyDaily reported that Lee Yi Kyung has decided to step down from MBC’s Hangout with Yoo, ending his three-year run since joining in September 2022. According to insiders, the decision was due to schedule conflicts. The show films every Thursday, and though Lee had previously adjusted his commitments to accommodate it, his growing acting workload made continued participation difficult.
He recently wrapped up filming for the movie Generational Regret, and is preparing for two major projects: the Vietnamese film I Am Here and the Korea-Japan joint drama Dream Stage, a Friday series co-produced by CJ ENM and TBS Japan, where he has been cast as the male lead.
While he departs from Hangout with Yoo, Lee Yi Kyung remains active in other variety shows and is expanding his acting portfolio across international productions.
Debuting in 2012 with the film White Night, Lee has appeared in hit dramas such as Descendants of the Sun, Go Back, Welcome to Waikiki, and Marry My Husband. Now balancing variety success with global acting roles, Lee continues to solidify his reputation as a versatile entertainer.
Sources: wikitree, daum
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