Actor Lee Yi-kyung appeared on the broadcast without editing despite recent private life rumors.
On the 23rd, the tvN variety show "Handsome Guys" featured the members taking on a final mission to overcome a "lack of private life." That day Lee Yi-kyung participated actively in various games with the members, was selected for a penalty and carried out a mission to sell 50 hot dogs. It looked somewhat awkward at first but he soon handled customers skillfully and drew laughs, and ultimately completed the task, ending the program on a cheerful note.
At the end of the broadcast, news came that "Handsome Guys" would be scheduled as a regular program. Cha Tae-hyun could not hide his joy, saying "we finally got regular scheduling," and Lee Yi-kyung hinted at a new season, saying "we'll take a short regrouping time and come back." The program will take a short break after this broadcast and return with a new season in early next year.
Earlier, Lee Yi-kyung was embroiled in a private life controversy after a revelation by an internet user. The person A said, "I recently posted several photos related to actor Lee Yi-kyung. At first it started as a joke, and I didn't expect the post to receive such attention," and "as I made AI photos, they began to feel more real, and eventually I spread them like malicious rumors, for which I am truly sorry. What began as fandom turned into emotional identification. It was something I wrote for fun but it felt real, and I feel guilty. If there is something I must take responsibility for, I will."
A, who identified herself as a German woman, alleged "I had sexual conversations with Lee Yi-kyung," and expressions implying sexual assault appeared in the process, amplifying the fallout. Questions about credibility arose over A's clumsy sentences and confusing content, and the matter seemed to settle when his agency immediately called it "false information" and said it would take legal action.
Although the initial exposé post had been deleted, A revealed her main social media account the next day on the 21st and continued the revelations, calling them "additional evidence." A said, "I never demanded money. My purpose is not money but to expose the character of actor Lee Yi-kyung," and additionally released a direct message video purportedly sent to Lee Yi-kyung. The video was later deleted.
Messages and photos circulated online were found to be AI composites, and the accuser acknowledged they were false, saying "it started as a joke but felt real," and posted an apology.
Despite the controversy, programs featuring Lee Yi-kyung, such as "I'm SOLO" and "Handsome Guys," aired his appearances without editing, drawing attention for their unwavering confidence.
[Photo] OSEN DB, broadcast capture
[OSEN]