Actor Lee Yi-kyung had to endure a three-day nightmare after an internet user's irresponsible "prank." The person who claimed he had a promiscuous private life suddenly released an apology saying "it started as a prank."
On the 22nd, internet user A, who had exposed Lee Yi-kyung's private life, posted on social media, "Recently I posted several photos related to actor Lee Yi-kyung. At first it started as a joke, and I did not expect a post that began as a prank to receive this much attention," she confessed.
She added, "As I created AI images, they gradually felt more real, and in the end they spread like malicious rumors, and I am truly sorry," and "what began as fandom turned into emotional projection. It was something written for fun, but it felt real and I feel guilty. If there are parts I must take responsibility for, I will." She said, "Because I am German, my sentences are clumsy," and asked, "Please understand without misunderstanding."
Earlier, on the 20th, Lee Yi-kyung was embroiled in so-called "18+ private life revelations" through social media and online communities. A, who identified herself as a German woman, posted an exposé saying, "I had sexual conversations with Lee Yi-kyung," and expressions suggesting sexual assault appeared in the process, widening the fallout. However, questions about credibility were raised due to A's clumsy sentences and confusing content.
In response, Lee Yi-kyung's agency, Sangyoung ENT, immediately issued an official statement saying, "We are preparing legal action over damage caused by the spread of false information and malicious rumors," and "considering the seriousness of the matter, we will take all legal measures."
Some claimed that A had demanded money from Lee Yi-kyung's side. The agency actually said, "There was an extortionate contact demanding money based on manipulated conversation content," and "A also sent an apology email for the false information." After the original exposé post was deleted, the matter seemed to be settled for the time being.
However, A continued the exposé again on the 21st, just one day later, through her main social media account, presenting "additional evidence." She insisted, "I did not demand money. My purpose is not money but to expose actor Lee Yi-kyung's character," and she additionally released a direct message video purportedly sent to Lee Yi-kyung. But the video was soon deleted.
Regarding this, an agency official told OSEN, "At present, there is no additional statement beyond the initial position. We plan to consult with lawyers and take legal action."
In the end, three days after the incident, A bowed her head, saying, "It started as a prank." Fans expressed both anger and sympathy over the mental harm Lee Yi-kyung suffered from the false exposé, saying, "This is so absurd" and "People should realize they can ruin someone with false information."
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]