On March 9, T-Cast’s E Channel announced news about the broadcast of Brave Detectives Season 5 and confirmed Lee Yi Kyung’s departure. According to the network, the show will undergo changes to its MC lineup for the new season.
The channel stated, “As we welcome a new season, we will say goodbye to MCs Kim Sun Young and Lee Yi Kyung, who have shown great performances until Season 4, and introduce new hosts.”
Lee Yi Kyung had been part of the program since its very beginning, serving as one of the main MCs when Brave Detectives first premiered in April 2022. However, in October last year, the actor temporarily stepped away from the show after becoming embroiled in rumors related to his personal life.
At the time, the production team explained that Lee Yi Kyung would be taking a break from his MC role for personal reasons. The show continued filming with various guest hosts filling in during his absence.
Although the producers had remained cautious about confirming whether the actor would permanently leave the show, the ongoing controversy and unresolved allegations ultimately led to the decision to part ways before the launch of Season 5.
The rumors first surfaced in October 2025 when a person claiming to be German released screenshots of text messages allegedly exchanged with Lee Yi Kyung. The messages contained explicit and offensive language, sparking widespread controversy online.
The individual later changed their claim, stating that the photos and posts used in the accusations had been manipulated using artificial intelligence. Despite this, the person continued to release additional allegations, further fueling public speculation.
In response, Lee Yi Kyung’s agency, Sangyoung ENT, announced strong legal action. The company stated that it was preparing to take legal measures against the spread of false information and malicious rumors, emphasizing that it would calculate the damages caused by the allegations and pursue all necessary legal steps.
Lee Yi Kyung also personally addressed the situation, revealing that he had visited the Seoul Gangnam Police Station to provide a statement as the complainant. The actor said he had completed procedures to file a complaint for defamation caused by threats and the spread of false information.
Meanwhile, Brave Detectives is a crime-based variety program that recounts real cases solved by detectives who worked on the front lines to protect public safety. Through detailed storytelling, the show highlights investigative processes while raising awareness about crime prevention.
For the upcoming fifth season, longtime hosts Ahn Jung Hwan and Kwon Il Yong will continue to appear, while new MCs Kwak Sun Young and Yoon Doo Joon will join the lineup.
Brave Detectives Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on March 27 at 9:50 p.m. on E Channel.
Sources: Nate
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