Lee Yi-kyung, award acceptance remark of venting sparked misunderstanding… "I did not intend to target Yoo Jae-suk" explanation
Actor Lee Yi-kyung, making his first public appearance since private life rumors, had one remark in his acceptance speech that sparked another controversy. What sounded like a statement of grievance spread into suspicions of "passing over Yoo Jae-suk," ultimately leading to his agency issuing an explanation.
Lee Yi-kyung on the 6th took the stage as the winner in the "AAA best choice" category at the 10th Asia Artist Awards 2025 (AAA 2025) held at Kaohsiung National Stadium in Taiwan. He thanked officials and his agency head, saying, "Thank you for giving my voice and this award together at the end of 2025."
That day he drew attention by directly addressing the recent private life rumors surrounding him. Lee Yi-kyung said, "It may be a remark not fitting for a festive occasion, but lately I felt like I was hit by hail that wasn't in the weather forecast," and added, "The current suspect is sending apologies and pleas for leniency to the company email. I intend to pursue this to the end." His calm but firm remarks were met with applause at the venue.
However, words he added afterward became the spark of controversy. He said, "SNL Korea, are you watching? I'm now taking Thursdays off," indirectly referring to the MBC show Hangout With Yoo, on which he once had a regular role. He then said, "I miss Haha hyung and Joo-jae hyung," but did not mention Yoo Jae-suk, who had co-led the program.
This was the problem. Hangout With Yoo continued the Thursday recording system after Infinite Challenge ended, and Yoo Jae-suk is regarded as a symbol and a spiritual pillar. Because he directly mentioned Haha and Joo-jae but excluded Yoo Jae-suk, some reacted, "Wasn't that an intentional passing?" and "It was a remark that could draw unnecessary misunderstanding."
The criticism grew fiercer especially because after Lee Yi-kyung left the show previously, rumors circulated that Yoo Jae-suk was related to the reason for his departure and malicious comments were hurled at Yoo Jae-suk. At that time Yoo Jae-suk's agency, Antenna, had warned of a tough response to false rumors and malicious posts.
Some defended Lee Yi-kyung, saying, "Given how wronged he felt, isn't it understandable that emotion prevailed?" and "He isn't obligated to mention every name." At the same time, however, many also criticized, saying, "In an already sensitive situation, he put another person at the center of controversy," and "It comes across like venting, which is regrettable."
On the 7th Lee Yi-kyung's agency, Sangyoung ENT, issued an official statement to OSEN. An agency official drew a line, saying, "Please accept the acceptance speech as it was," and "There was absolutely no intention to target or exclude Yoo Jae-suk. Please refrain from overinterpretation."
Lee Yi-kyung was caught up in private life rumors after an overseas internet user's SNS exposé, and he left Hangout With Yoo and KBS2's The Return of SUPERMAN in succession. As the exposé post was repeatedly apologized for and retracted as AI manipulation, public opinion gradually turned in Lee Yi-kyung's favor and sympathy for his claims of being wronged formed. However, this acceptance speech remark raises concerns that it could crack the support he has built up. While strong feelings may have been involved given how wronged he felt, it is regrettable that the remark left room for unnecessary interpretation.
Private life rumors, variety show departures controversy, and interpretation of an acceptance speech have layered to put Lee Yi-kyung in a difficult position. With his agency promptly issuing an explanation, it remains to be seen whether the controversy will subside or spread into another misunderstanding. What may now be needed is to prove his grievance not with words but with legal results.
[photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]