Lee Yi-kyung, who was moved as he mulled over Yoo Jae-suk's text messages, avoided mentioning it at the public event. Amid a passing controversy, Lee Yi-kyung's side officially explained, "There was no intention to take a shot."
Lee Yi-kyung won 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.
Recently, after suffering greatly, including leaving a variety show he was appearing on because of rumors about his private life, Lee Yi-kyung expressed gratitude to his agency and broadcasting staff. He also said that the suspect spreading the private life rumors has been sending apology and mercy emails to the company, and directly stated, "I feel like they'll definitely be caught."
Although he had stated his position via social media, because this was the first time he directly mentioned the private life rumor case at a public event, applause of support poured out for Lee Yi-kyung.
And the part of Lee Yi-kyung's acceptance speech that drew particular attention that day was the "Yoo Jae-suk passing." During his acceptance speech, Lee Yi-kyung said, "'SNL Korea,' are you watching? I'm off on Thursdays now. Haha hyung, Woo-jae hyung, I miss you." Haha and Joo Woo-jae worked with Lee Yi-kyung on MBC's Hangout With Yoo, and they traveled together through the spin-off "Haengnim What Are You Doing?"
Having worked together on the program for a long time, he publicly revealed his special feelings for Haha and Joo Woo-jae. However, controversy erupted and the fallout continued over whether Lee Yi-kyung's omission of only Yoo Jae-suk from the Hangout With Yoo members in his acceptance speech was a deliberate shot.
Lee Yi-kyung built a close relationship with Yoo Jae-suk through Hangout With Yoo and has maintained a special relationship. On the Chuseok special of "Haengnim What Are You Doing?" that aired last October, he also expressed gratitude for Yoo Jae-suk's consideration. At a drinking gathering with Haha and Joo Woo-jae, he voiced his burden over Hangout With Yoo's poor performance and was moved as he mentioned the encouraging messages Yoo Jae-suk sent.
At the time, Lee Yi-kyung thanked Yoo Jae-suk, saying, "Even when I sing, it's 'What are you doing with your eyes closed?', and as soon as the live broadcast ends, I get a message. On the day I left for Japan after the recording, it was 'I-kyung, you worked hard, travel safely. You only need to do your best. Thank you as always, I-kyung.' That was the last message. I couldn't even reply. I didn't know what to say in a reply," He was moved as he gratefully revisited each message from Yoo Jae-suk, who especially takes care of the members.
Because Lee Yi-kyung had shown many times that he looked up to Yoo Jae-suk, omitting him from the acceptance speech led to exaggerated interpretations.
Lee Yi-kyung's side said, "The acceptance speech was simply a candid expression of gratitude and reflections at an official event after a long time. There was no intention to target a specific person, and we regret that the situation is being discussed as a controversy."
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]