Person A, who posted an exposé about actor Lee Yi-kyung's private life, abruptly posted an apology, saying it was "a post that started as a joke."
Person A, who claims to be German, began a post on X (formerly Twitter) early on the 22nd, saying, "Hello, Koreans. As some of you know, I recently posted a lot of various photos related to actor Lee Yi-kyung."
The person said, "At first, I didn't think a post that started as a joke would get that much attention," and added, "But as I kept writing and using artificial intelligence (AI) photos, I think I gradually came to actually believe that."
The person went on, "I am truly sorry for spreading it like malicious rumors about actor Lee," and said, "What started from fandom gradually became emotional identification." The person added, "I feel guilty because something that started for fun seems to have gradually become real. If there is any part for which I should take responsibility, I will take responsibility," and said, "Since I am German, please understand my clumsy sentences."
On the 19th, person A posted on a personal blog an article and photos claiming to have exchanged sexually explicit messages with Lee Yi-kyung. The blog post was later deleted, but it spread through online communities.
Lee Yi-kyung's side immediately warned of legal action. Sangeong ENT said it was preparing legal measures "for damage caused by spreading false information and malicious rumors," and added, "Given the seriousness of this matter, we will calculate the scale of direct and indirect damages caused by spreading false information and take all measures."
Sangeong ENT said person A had emailed the company with the same content five months ago and demanded money. When the company conveyed its plan for legal action, person A reportedly apologized. After this became known, person A said, "I did end up asking once if they could give me money," and added, "I have never received money, and it was such an uncomfortable matter that I have not asked for it again since. I posted it so other women wouldn't suffer." Nevertheless, an apology was abruptly posted.