Actor Lee Yi-kyung's acceptance speech, delivered at his first public appearance since the private life controversy, sparked another controversy. Allegations of 'targeting' or 'passing' arose because he did not mention Yoo Jae-suk by name, and his agency issued a direct explanation. But internet user reactions are divided.
Lee Yi-kyung received the honor of winning in the "AAA best choice" category at the "10th Asia Artist Awards 2025" (AAA 2025), held on the 6th at the National Stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. On stage he said, "I am grateful to the officials who gave me my voice and this award at the end of 2025," and expressed thanks to his agency and staff.
He then directly addressed recent rumors about his private life, saying, "It may not fit the festive atmosphere, but these days I felt like I was hit by hail that wasn't in the weather forecast." He also said, "The suspect is currently sending apologies and requests for leniency via company email. I will pursue this to the end," showing a resolute stance. Afterwards he indirectly referenced his departure from "Hangout With Yoo" by saying, "SNL Korea, are you watching? I'm off on Thursdays now," and added, "I miss Haha hyung and Woojae hyung." However, the name of Yoo Jae-suk, who co-led the program, was not mentioned.
As the controversy grew, on the 7th Lee Yi-kyung's agency Sangyoung ENT told OSEN, "Please accept the acceptance speech as it was," and officially stated, "There was absolutely no intention to target or exclude Yoo Jae-suk."
Interpretations immediately poured in online over this matter. Some internet users reacted, "Isn't the omission of Yoo Jae-suk's name intentional in this situation?", "It's a name that didn't need to be mentioned, so I don't understand why it was left out of all people", and "It seems like a remark that brought on controversy even knowing it would be controversial." On the other hand, other internet users defended Lee Yi-kyung, saying, "How unfair would it have to be for such words to come out?", "You don't have to mention every person, do you?", "If the agency says there was no intent to target, it's right to believe them", and "Now exaggerated interpretation is the bigger problem."
Earlier, Lee Yi-kyung was embroiled in private life rumors after a foreign internet user exposed them on social media, and the accuser caused further confusion by admitting to AI manipulation and then reversing their position. In response, Lee Yi-kyung's side filed a complaint for defamation by spreading false information and is awaiting the outcome.
Lee Yi-kyung's remark caused another ripple effect, but public opinion over whether it was intentional remains split between "it provoked controversy" and "merely an expression of grievance".<
[photo] 'OSEN DB'
[OSEN]