Actor Lee Yi-kyung's private life controversy has escalated into disputes over the truth and legal responses as the accuser's side repeatedly posts and deletes additional evidence.
On the 21st, the private life controversy involving Lee Yi-kyung, raised a day earlier, has reached a fever pitch. After the initial exposé, the agency announced a firm stance of strong legal response to false information, while posts claimed as additional evidence have appeared and been deleted repeatedly on social media, sparking disputes over the truth.
On the 20th, Lee Yi-kyung was swept up in what has been called a historic private life scandal centered on social media and online communities. An internet user identified as A, who claimed to be a German woman, said she had continuous sexual conversations with Lee Yi-kyung since the initial exposé and, as references to sexual assault emerged, decided to expose his character and was drafting related posts.
In the initial exposé, A raised credibility concerns with somewhat awkward and confusing expressions. In response, Lee Yi-kyung's agency, Sangyoung ENT, said, "We are preparing legal measures regarding damage caused by the spreading of false information and malicious rumors related to matters being posted and distributed on online communities and social media." The agency also said, "Depending on the severity of the matter, we will calculate the direct and indirect damages caused by the spreading of false information and take all measures."
There were even claims that A had already demanded money from Lee Yi-kyung's side over the matter. It was alleged that a conversation pieced together to mimic the agency was used to extort money, and that the author even sent an apology email regarding the false information. Consequently, as the initial exposé was deleted, the matter seemed to settle as a happening.
However, on the 21st, just one day after the initial exposé, A revealed the main social media account after deleting the blog post and continued the exposé as "additional evidence." A reiterated that she had not demanded money from the agency and that her goal was not money but to expose the character of the actor Lee Yi-kyung. She also released additional video footage that appeared to show continuing the problematic conversation by sending direct messages to Lee Yi-kyung's social media account.
But that video was also deleted soon after. A countered that it was removed due to reports from other users. Nevertheless, with the recent ubiquity of AI technology, debates have arisen over the authenticity of the initial exposé and the videos.
Lee Yi-kyung's side has remained silent regarding the additional exposés. A representative for Lee Yi-kyung told OSEN, "At this time, there is no additional position beyond the initial official statement. We plan to discuss with our lawyers and respond," the representative said firmly.
The broadcasting industry is also watching Lee Yi-kyung's situation. He currently appears on five shows — MBC's Hangout With Yoo, tvN's Handsome Guys, ENA and SBS Plus's I'm SOLO and Jjiggo Bokkneun Yeohaeng, and E Channel's Brave Detectives 4 — and with his recent confirmed addition to KBS 2TV's The Return of SUPERMAN, a considerable ripple effect is expected.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS source.
[OSEN]