On December 1, Sangyoung ENT, Lee Yi Kyung’s agency, officially announced that Lee Yi Kyung will star in the upcoming Japanese TBS music drama DREAM STAGE, slated to air in January 2026. He will play the role of Choi Ki Yeon, a charismatic and visionary CEO of a massive K-pop entertainment company.

In the promotional poster released alongside the casting news, Lee exudes a dandy yet gentle charm, further raising anticipation for his performance in the series. As TBS’s new flagship project in the music genre, DREAM STAGE is expected to draw significant attention, particularly due to its K-pop theme and cross-cultural appeal.

Lee Yi Kyung DREAM STAGE Japanese drama

The announcement comes after a turbulent few months for the actor. Back in October, explicit messages and photos allegedly involving Lee Yi Kyung surfaced on a blog post by an anonymous netizen. The content, which quickly spread across social media and online forums, prompted intense public scrutiny.

In response, Lee Yi Kyung’s agency firmly denied the allegations, stating, “We are preparing legal action against the spread of false information and malicious rumors.”

Despite these efforts, the controversy impacted his public image, leading to his departure from MBC’s Hangout With Yoo and the cancellation of his planned appearance on KBS 2TV’s The Return of Superman.

lee yikyung hangout with yoo controversy

On November 21, Lee made headlines once again by revealing that his exit from Hangout With Yoo initially assumed to be voluntary was actually suggested by the production team. This revelation stirred further debate and sympathy among fans.

Now, with his casting in DREAM STAGE, Lee Yi Kyung seems poised for a fresh chapter in his career, stepping onto the international stage. The role not only marks a significant milestone for the actor but also suggests his determination to rebuild and redefine his public image after months of adversity.

Fans are hopeful that this new opportunity will allow Lee to showcase his talents and regain momentum in both Korean and overseas entertainment markets.

Sources: naver