On December 16, Lee Jin-ho posted a lengthy statement on his YouTube channel, directly refuting Lee Yi-kyung’s agency Sangyoung Entertainment’s official response. The agency had previously denied that Yoo Jae-suk’s name was ever raised during discussions surrounding Lee Yi-kyung’s departure.
“After seeing the official statement, I was deeply shocked,” Lee Jin-ho wrote. “I never imagined that the agency, which had confirmed my reporting during investigation, would later release such a position.”
Lee Jin-ho reiterated that Yoo Jae-suk’s name was mentioned during the exit process, stressing that he personally verified the information multiple times.
“Even I found it hard to believe, which is why I confirmed it once and then called again on a different day,” he stated. “ With clear grounds and materials in hand, I cannot understand why the agency would issue this kind of official response.”
He added pointedly, “Lies may temporarily cover people’s eyes, but they cannot conceal the truth,” before revealing that he is considering whether to make his reporting materials public after further deliberation.
According to Lee Jin-ho’s earlier claims, when Lee Yi-kyung became embroiled in a private life controversy, the Hangout with Yoo production team allegedly postponed regular filming and met with the actor separately to notify him of his removal from the show. During this meeting, the production staff reportedly explained that the decision came from “higher-ups.”
Lee Jin-ho alleged that Lee Yi-kyung repeatedly questioned whether those “higher-ups” referred to Yoo Jae-suk, suspecting the star MC’s involvement in the decision.
In response, Sangyoung Entertainment released an official statement the same day, confirming that Lee Yi-kyung was notified of his departure during a meeting with the production team. The agency acknowledged that producers described the decision as coming from “above” and emphasized that it was final.
However, the agency drew a clear line regarding Yoo Jae-suk. “We make it absolutely clear that we never asked nor questioned whether the decision reflected Yoo Jae-suk’s opinion,” the statement said.
The agency further clarified that Lee Yi-kyung later spoke with Yoo Jae-suk by phone on the day he was notified of his exit, describing the call as a brief exchange of regret and encouragement that ended with “Let’s talk again when we meet.” The agency stressed that Lee Yi-kyung has never mentioned Yoo Jae-suk publicly since.
At the heart of the controversy are two unresolved questions: whether Yoo Jae-suk’s name was raised by Lee Yi-kyung or his representatives during discussions about the exit, and whether Lee Jin-ho truly possesses materials that substantiate his claims.
With Lee Jin-ho openly referencing “clear evidence” and hinting at possible disclosure, attention remains firmly on whether additional information will surface and how the escalating dispute may impact those involved.
Sources: Naver
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