Actor Lee Yi-kyung is leaving Hangout With Yoo after three years. As viewers' curiosity grew over the sudden news, the production team revealed the background and said Yoo Jae-suk will personally deliver farewell remarks.
On the 4th MBC Hangout With Yoo said in an official statement, "Lee Yi-kyung had many concerns about participating in the program due to his schedule including overseas commitments, and recently expressed his intention to leave," adding, "After discussions, we decided to support each other on our separate paths. We thank Lee Yi-kyung for showing his passion."
Regarding this, PD Kim Jin-yong, who directs Hangout With Yoo, told OSEN by phone, "In this week's broadcast opening, Yoo Jae-suk, HaHa and Joo Woo-jae will personally deliver farewell remarks to Lee Yi-kyung. They will have a warm conversation before starting the 'In.sa.mo (meeting of unpopular people)' project."
He explained, "Although our program is known to record every Thursday, there are many changes depending on guest schedules," and "Lee Yi-kyung had a difficult schedule because he was simultaneously filming dramas and movies as an actor. Recently, an overseas schedule was added, making it untenable."
He added, "We could have arranged a separate farewell special, but because a large-scale project 'In.sa.mo general meeting' is scheduled, we decided not to postpone recording," and "Yoo Jae-suk and the members will personally deliver farewell remarks in the broadcast opening to mark the ending."
Coincidentally, Lee Yi-kyung is currently handling overseas schedules as he prepares to appear in the Vietnamese film "I am here" and the Japanese drama "Dream Stage." Given Hangout With Yoo records once a week, it appears schedule coordination was not easy.
Some speculated that recent AI-synthesized adult rumors posted by overseas internet users were related to the departure, but PD Kim Jin-yong dismissed that. He said, "It may seem that way because of the broadcast cancellation, but it is not true at all. Discussions about leaving had been ongoing, and the point when the agency officially requested the departure coincided with the 'In.sa.mo' general meeting," adding, "It's unfortunate, but there was nothing we could do because of the schedule."
Meanwhile, Lee Yi-kyung's side completed legal action against those who spread the false rumors and malicious commenters, emphasizing, "We will respond strongly without leniency."
Hangout With Yoo, following the recent success of '80s Seoul gayo festival,' is launching a new large-scale project, 'In.sa.mo general meeting,' to mark a full-scale shift in tone. In this broadcast, in which Yoo Jae-suk will directly mention Lee Yi-kyung's vacancy, it will air on Aug. 8 at 6:25 p.m.
[Photo] OSEN DB, MBC
[OSEN]