Actor Lee Yi-kyung made his first public appearance since the private life controversy. However, fans focused their attention because Yoo Jae-suk's name was not mentioned in his acceptance speech.
On the 6th at Taiwan's Kaohsiung National Stadium at the 10th Asia Artist Awards 2025 (AAA 2025), Lee Yi-kyung was selected as the winner in the "AAA Best Choice" institutional sector.
On stage he said, "I sincerely thank the officials who gave me my voice and this award at the end of 2025," and added, "I also want to express my gratitude to the head of my agency."
Lee Yi-kyung went on to directly address the recently surfaced private life rumor controversy. He said, "This may be an inappropriate comment for this festive atmosphere, but lately it felt like being hit by hail that wasn't in the weather forecast," and added, "The suspect is currently sending apologies and requests for leniency to the company email. We will definitely catch them," showing a firm stance.
He also said, "Is 'SNL Korea' watching? I now have Thursdays off," indirectly referring to his exit from MBC's "Hangout With Yoo." He added, "Haha hyung, I miss (Ju)jae hyung," greeting his colleagues, but did not mention Yoo Jae-suk's name.
Some reacted, "Did he deliberately not mention Yoo Jae-suk?", and attention concentrated on the matter.
Earlier, Lee Yi-kyung became the center of controversy after being caught up in a private life rumor following SNS accusations by a person who claimed to be German. His agency Sangyoung ENT immediately said, "All content is false, and we are pursuing civil and criminal responses to the spread of false information." Lee Yi-kyung also took a hard line, saying, "A seizure and search procedure is underway, and the complaint has already been filed. We will pursue this to the end until the suspect is identified."
As a result of the controversy, he left MBC's "Hangout With Yoo" without a farewell and his joining KBS2's "The Return of SUPERMAN" also fell through. At the time, Yoo Jae-suk said on the broadcast, "I had to leave because I have many drama and movie schedules," to explain the situation, but after Lee Yi-kyung expressed dissatisfaction on SNS, saying, "It was the production team's recommendation," the controversy escalated.
After Lee Yi-kyung's disclosure, the production team issued an apology, but Yoo Jae-suk was criticized by some viewers for "not protecting his junior." In response, agency Antenna on the 5th said, "We will take strong action against false rumors and malicious posts," and announced legal measures.
Amid the private life rumors and the controversy over leaving variety shows, Lee Yi-kyung calmly presented his position on the awards stage that day and once again signaled a comeback.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]